Myth of the Mystic East

The book ""Myth of the Mystic East"" by Robert Henry Elliot is a critical analysis of the Western perception of the East, particularly India and China, as a land of mysticism and spirituality. The author argues that the Western fascination with the East is based on a romanticized and exoticized image that is far from reality. He presents a historical overview of the Western encounter with the East, tracing the roots of Orientalism and the colonial enterprise. The book also examines the impact of the East on Western literature, art, and philosophy, and how it has shaped the Western imagination.Elliot's argument is supported by a range of examples, including the works of poets such as William Butler Yeats and T.S. Eliot, and the writings of philosophers such as Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. He also analyzes the role of the media in perpetuating the myth of the mystic East, with its portrayal of gurus, yogis, and spiritual masters.Overall, ""Myth of the Mystic East"" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges the Western perception of the East and encourages a more nuanced and critical understanding of this complex and diverse region.1934. The author describes the pedestrian truths behind the myths of Eastern magic. Contents: Prologue; Myth of the mystic East; Indian conjuring; Evidence for the rope trick; Indian magic; Witchcraft; Hooded Death; On immunity from snakebite; Mongoose and the cobra; Snakebite; Adder; Epilogue.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.