Myths in Stone: Religious Dimensions of Washington, D.C., Part 3Washington, D.C., is a city of powerful symbols—from the dominance of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument to the authority of the Smithsonian. This book takes us on a fascinating and informative tour of the nation's capital as Jeffrey F. Meyer unravels the complex symbolism of the city and explores its meaning for our national consciousness. Meyer finds that mythic and religious themes pervade the capital—in its original planning, in its monumental architecture, and in the ritualized events that have taken place over the 200 years the city has been the repository for the symbolism of the nation. As Meyer tours the city's famous axial layout, he discusses many historical figures and events, compares Washington to other great cities of the world such as Beijing and Berlin, and discusses the meaning and history of its architecture and many works of art. Treating Washington, D.C., as a complex religious center, Meyer finds that the city functions as a unifying element in American consciousness. This book will change the way we look at Washington, D.C., and provide a provocative new look at the meaning of religion in America today. It will also be a valuable companion for those traveling to this city that was envisioned from its inception as the center of the world. |
From inside the book
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Page 4
... beginnings , a new world order . " This is nowhere manifest more clearly than in the Capitol building , the " Temple of Liberty . " When at last the bronze head of Freedom was formally hoisted into place on December 2 , 1863 , the ...
... beginnings , a new world order . " This is nowhere manifest more clearly than in the Capitol building , the " Temple of Liberty . " When at last the bronze head of Freedom was formally hoisted into place on December 2 , 1863 , the ...
Page 5
... beginning at the Capitol , walking the three major axes of the ceremonial core of the city , and ending where I began , at the Capitol . My two metaphors converge in one description of the pilgrimage expe- rience as " a vertical shaft ...
... beginning at the Capitol , walking the three major axes of the ceremonial core of the city , and ending where I began , at the Capitol . My two metaphors converge in one description of the pilgrimage expe- rience as " a vertical shaft ...
Page 7
... beginnings of urbanism . Urban historian Lewis Mumford pointed out long ago that it was the conjunction of the sacred and secular power that first gave rise to cities in the river valleys of the ancient world.16 Kings and their ...
... beginnings of urbanism . Urban historian Lewis Mumford pointed out long ago that it was the conjunction of the sacred and secular power that first gave rise to cities in the river valleys of the ancient world.16 Kings and their ...
Page 9
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Page 25
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Myths in Stone: Religious Dimensions of Washington, D.C., Part 3 Jeffrey F. Meyer Limited preview - 2001 |
Common terms and phrases
Abraham Lincoln Adams American architect architecture axis believed building called capital Capitol century ceremonial civil religion Commission Congress Constitution created culture Declaration of Independence democracy divine documents Enlightenment Enola Gay Enrico Causici exhibit expressed federal Federalist FIGURE Foner Founders Founding Fathers freedom George Washington human Ibid icon idea inaugural address Indian ington issue James Jean-Antoine Houdon Jefferson Memorial John John Russell Pope justice Kammen King L'Enfant later liberty Lincoln Memorial Madison Mall McMillan Commission meaning ment metaphor moral Museum myth mythic nation nature obelisk Padover painting pediment Pennsylvania Avenue pilgrimage political portraits Potomac president president's house Providence quoted reflect religious Rembrandt Peale representatives republic republican Revolutionary ritual rotunda sacred sculpture Senate slavery slaves Smithsonian statue Supreme Court symbolism temple Thomas Jefferson U.S. Capitol Union United University Press Virginia visitors Washington Monument White House words wrote York