$24.95 with 17 percent savings
List Price: $29.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 8 hrs 45 mins
In Stock
$$24.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Erich Neumann
+ Follow
Martin Liebscher
+ Follow
See all
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype (Princeton Classics, 14) Paperback – May 4, 2015

by Erich Neumann (Author), Ralph Manheim (Translator), Martin Liebscher (Foreword)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 187 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$24.95","priceAmount":24.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"24","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"tmPcrjw64ySxcKmtqwJDCZoim%2FlpywcOVqEZvCS67pPq5rfzWrORdu%2Fpi5vjv3VEf2xYeGVgxsKLBS%2FDg%2BztPgIwoDMNPn3FvVPNA%2B0L8G8bYpc237UY7DmiUnAeC9LDAe%2F6fhvopEpeHtPvlYs28Q%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

This landmark book explores the Great Mother as a primordial image of the human psyche. Here the renowned analytical psychologist Erich Neumann draws on ritual, mythology, art, and records of dreams and fantasies to examine how this archetype has been outwardly expressed in many cultures and periods since prehistory. He shows how the feminine has been represented as goddess, monster, gate, pillar, tree, moon, sun, vessel, and every animal from snakes to birds. Neumann discerns a universal experience of the maternal as both nurturing and fearsome, an experience rooted in the dialectical relation of growing consciousness, symbolized by the child, to the unconscious and the unknown, symbolized by the Great Mother.

Featuring a new foreword by Martin Liebscher, this Princeton Classics edition of The Great Mother introduces a new generation of readers to this profound and enduring work.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    624 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Princeton University Press
  4. Publication date
    May 4, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.7 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0691166072
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0691166070
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype (Princeton Classics, 14)
$24.95
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World
$26.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Devil: Perceptions of Evil from Antiquity to Primitive Christianity
$23.36
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Neumann's creative intuition has enabled him to read in these records of the past a content and meaning that throws a beam of light on the psychological history of [hu]mankind." ― Journal of Analytical Psychology

About the Author

Erich Neumann (1905–60), a psychologist and philosopher, was born in Berlin and lived in Tel Aviv from 1934 until his death. His books include The Origins and History of Consciousness, The Fear of the Feminine, and Amor and Psyche (all Princeton). Martin Liebscher is senior research fellow in German and honorary senior lecturer in psychology at University College London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Princeton University Press; Revised edition (May 4, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 624 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0691166072
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0691166070
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.7 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 187 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Erich Neumann

    Erich Neumann

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  2. Martin Liebscher

    Martin Liebscher

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
187 global ratings
BEWARE- Small letters, big empty margin.
5 Stars
BEWARE- Small letters, big empty margin.
I give this book five stars because it's a great work by Erich Neumann, possibly the most insightful and important contributor to analytical psychology after Jung. Get this book to really delve into understanding this Archetype. There is only one thing I want to let potential buyers know about this particular edition: the print is very small. So small it leaves a wide margin. If your eyes are prone to getting tired, you might consider another edition with bigger letters. It's a pity Princeton University Press overlooked this detail. I'll attach a photo to give you an idea how small the print is and consider this, might not be an issue for everybody.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Violet R.
5.0 out of 5 stars BEWARE- Small letters, big empty margin.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2018
Verified Purchase
I give this book five stars because it's a great work by Erich Neumann, possibly the most insightful and important contributor to analytical psychology after Jung. Get this book to really delve into understanding this Archetype. There is only one thing I want to let potential buyers know about this particular edition: the print is very small. So small it leaves a wide margin. If your eyes are prone to getting tired, you might consider another edition with bigger letters. It's a pity Princeton University Press overlooked this detail. I'll attach a photo to give you an idea how small the print is and consider this, might not be an issue for everybody.
Customer image
Violet R.
5.0 out of 5 stars BEWARE- Small letters, big empty margin.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2018
I give this book five stars because it's a great work by Erich Neumann, possibly the most insightful and important contributor to analytical psychology after Jung. Get this book to really delve into understanding this Archetype. There is only one thing I want to let potential buyers know about this particular edition: the print is very small. So small it leaves a wide margin. If your eyes are prone to getting tired, you might consider another edition with bigger letters. It's a pity Princeton University Press overlooked this detail. I'll attach a photo to give you an idea how small the print is and consider this, might not be an issue for everybody.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
50 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
AttackGirl
5.0 out of 5 stars Desktop Reference
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great photo, comprehensive reference for locations but you have to wonder why the China great mother has round eyes,,,,

So whether you agree with the analysis of the information you must come up with your own theories and this book is a good place to start.
Helpful
 Report
Antiqco
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any one interested in the topic
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
Seminal work on the subject with very important illustrations included.
Helpful
 Report
Sci Fi Junkie
5.0 out of 5 stars A whole lot of scholarship in one place.
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is packed with authoritative writing and many illustrations. A great reference book!
Helpful
 Report
burnthesystem
3.0 out of 5 stars Could be a better print
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
5 stars for the content; 1 stars for the edition.
The work is incredibly profound and interesting for vast audience.
The font is very small, it hurts eyes to read long. A lot of empty space which to my mind is wasted.
I would suggest to check previous versions of this book.
Customer image
burnthesystem
3.0 out of 5 stars Could be a better print
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2021
5 stars for the content; 1 stars for the edition.
The work is incredibly profound and interesting for vast audience.
The font is very small, it hurts eyes to read long. A lot of empty space which to my mind is wasted.
I would suggest to check previous versions of this book.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
15 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The conscious mind evolved out of the unconscious mind and the unconscious mind wants it back!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2020
Verified Purchase
I’m studying the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind and this book was an invaluable tool in my journey.
16 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ernesto Hernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great anthropological view!
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
Love this book! A fast and easy transaction.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
j
3.0 out of 5 stars but the format is garbage. Its centered in the middle of the page ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
Seems to be well researched, but the format is garbage. Its centered in the middle of the page with a border of blank space that if taken out would shrink the size of the book about 25%. Perhaps its for making notes? To me it was annoying, but the information was interesting.

To me the poor formatting makes reading it not a enjoyable read.
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
John Hooker
5.0 out of 5 stars Explains, clearly, the structure of mythology
Reviewed in Canada on September 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
It makes a great companion for the author's History of Consciousness. It will also help one to see the weaknesses in the old "diffusionist" ideas.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Maria
3.0 out of 5 stars O livro podia até ser bom, se eu conseguisse ler o que está escrito.
Reviewed in Brazil on November 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
Pior fonte (minúscula, uma bula tem maior letras), diagramação e espaçamento de palavras que eu já vi em um livro.
Fiquei com dor de cabeça de ler, e eu tenho uma boa visão, não preciso de óculos pra ler nem nada.
Se você gosta de escrever nas margens você vai adorar, tem quilômetros de papel nas bordas.
Recomendo que você tente outra edição.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Neumann
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
I’m only 60 pages into the book but my mind was already blown a hundred times, Neumann is much more digestible than Jung, although it’s easy to get lost in his highly complex though process, it’s worth sticking with it! Absolutely brilliant! I was he was still alive...
6 people found this helpful
 Report
Adur Alkain
1.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Terrible edition.
Reviewed in Spain on March 27, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is without doubt an important book. But this new Princeton Classics edition (2015) is trash. Somebody obviously made a mistake during the printing process, and the text appears in tiny, barely readable print surrounded by ridiculously large margins. Another reviewer commented that maybe those wide margins were intended for taking notes, but that's clearly not the case. Somebody at the printing press made a mistake, and Princeton Classics did not have the decency of destroying all those faulty copies and make new ones. Instead, they decided to sell them.
I decided to buy a second hand copy of the Princeton/Bollingen 1972 edition, and it's perfect! I recommend any interested reader to do the same, or to purchase the Kindle edition.
Another thing about this new 2015 edition: it comes with a horrible foreword by somebody called Martin Liebscher, where he says things like "most archaelogical scholars today agree that there is no evidence for ancient worship of the Great Mother goddess, and that it was to a great extent a creation of nineteenth- and twentieth-century academics from Bachofen via Jung, Campbell, and Neumann to Gimbutas." Incredible! It's like having a new edition of Darwin's On the Origins of Species with a foreword saying "of course all this evolution thing is nonsense; most scholars today agree that there is no evidence for it, and that God created all species in three days". Baffling.
I wanted to return this book and get a refund, but sadly I waited until I got the 1972 edition, and it took more than a month to arrive (shipping from the US to Spain), so now I'm stuck with this crap edition too. It's too bad to even think of giving it to some friend. It will go into the recycle bin.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Larcho
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Japan on March 28, 2018
Verified Purchase
Very helpful for everybody researching in this field.
One person found this helpful
 Report