FROM OUR EDITORS

Here, archaeologically documented, is the fascinating story of the religion of the "Goddess." Known by many names -- Asarte, Isis, Ishtar, among others -- she and matriarchy reigned supreme in the Near and Middle East.

In addition to being worshipped for fertility, the Goddess was revered as the wise creator and the one source of universal order. Under her, women's roles differed markedly from those in patriarchal Judeo-Christian cultures. Women bought and sold property, traded in the marketplace and the inheritance of title and property was passed from mother to daughter.

How and when did the change in our perception of God (and woman) occur? By documenting the wholesale rewriting of myth and religious dogmas, the author reveals a very ancient conspiracy: the patriarchal re-imaging of the Goddess into a wanton, depraved figure. The author demonstrates that this is the portrait that laid the foundation for one of culture's greatest shams -- the legend of Adam and fallen Eve.

ANNOTATION

An account, archaeologically documented, of the religion of the Goddess and its decline.

FROM THE PUBLISHER