Importances of the Past

George Allan is Professor of Philosophy and Dean of the College at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

"This is a strikingly beautiful piece of philosophical prose, devoted to an issue of overriding importance. It is eminently readable; often quite eloquent! Allan manages competently to incorporate the very latest research and current perspectives in historiography, cultural anthropology, social psychology, linguistics, and critical theory." — George R. Lucas, Jr., Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Santa Clara"It is almost spellbinding. The importance of story and myth is not only discussed, it is an integral part of the book itself and of the author's style of exposition. This is the most beautifully written book I've read in a long time." — Donald Crosby, Professor of Philosophy, Colorado State University

• Preface Chapter 1: Common Ground Chapter 2: Holy Ground Chapter 3: Solid Ground Chapter 4: The Historical Past Chapter 5: The Mythic Past Chapter 6: The Eternal Past Chapter 7: The Arthurian Tradition Chapter 8: The Unraveling of Tradition Chapter 9: The End of Tradition Notes