Preface -- Chapter 1. The enigma of myth as history: the view from antiquity ; Content, structure and the import of myths ; Aristotle on the relation between poetry and history ; Final remarks and summary -- Chapter 2. The decadence of myth: priestly lies, exaggerated histories and allegories -- Chapter 3. The significance of method: R.G. Collingwood and fairy tales as myths ; The historical character of fairy tales ; The value of method -- Chapter 4. Romantic historiography and myths ; The meanings of Romanticism ; The historical mindedness of Romanticism ; Historical change ; Historical cosmopolitanism ; Unity of the mind & freedom ; The emergence of Romanticism: the relationship between history and political philosophy -- Chapter 5. Edmund Burke: the forgotten historian -- The historicity of myths: some thoughts on history and myth -- Index.
"This book explores the connection between history and mythology by engaging with myths not as allegories or falsehoods, but as representations of historical experience. The Historical Value of Myths is an illuminating read for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in the fields of mythology, the philosophy of history and anthropology"--