The Demon Lover: The Roots of Terrorism

by Robin Morgan

Book Overview

This groundbreaking work on the psychological and political roots of terrorism by award-winning writer Robin Morgan is updated with her new introduction covering the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. In a new afterword, "Letters from Ground Zero," Morgan offers her eyewitness account of the physical and emotional devastation caused by the assault on New York's World Trade Center and the global struggle in its aftermath.First published...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743452933
• ISBN13: 9780743452939
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Washington Square Press
• Length: 417 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Explains Terrorism but it won't help you end it.

I would divide the book into two acts. The first half of the book is the philosophic explanation of terror and atrocity, the second half is more of a case study of women living in the context of terror. Also, in response to another reviewer's observation about out of date explanations being republished, the introduction of the book states that the book was slated to be republished prior to 9/11 and was actually pulled from the presses so that a new introduction could be written. It was not republished directly in response to the events in question. I read it the spring afterward. At that time I thought it was the only thing that actually explained the independent variables behind terror. I think her analysis is consistent with an academic understanding of agriculture and patriarchy and therefore consistent with a biblical view of the fallen world whereas civilization is contingent on patriarchal modes of production and authority whereby we displace God, no other permutation of civilization is possible without divine intervention. The alternative is tribalism. That said, her analysis is dead on.

chilling...brilliant...a MUST read...

This book has never been more important than it is today. It's prophetic, and illuminating. It will shift the view you may have of terrorism, why we're at war, and who is doing the warring, permanently. A truly 'must read' volume. Morgan's best non-fiction.

Interesting & very Impressive with ONE Major Flaw!!

First the bad news!! The constant,cloying comments about the "patriarchal/ masculinist/ male dominated" world, and all the horrors unleashed by this world got on my nerves, and were truly way overdone! OK, this is a feminist tract, but enough's enough! Imagine a book,written by male or female, this angry about the feminine sex! Who would/could publish it?! Having said that, this is definitely among the most passionate and personal books I've ever read, full of interesting ideas starting with ancient mythology about how the author feels terrorists are incubated, mainly through the lazy, macho, women-hating males out there! She builds up a good case, and there is a lot of truth to her comments, even if she does vent too much spleen! The trip to 1980's Palestine was almost worth the price of the book, even if all women all described as wonderful, educated, child rearing, usually beaten by their male counterparts,drunken, uncaring lowlifes and bullies who can't wait to dress up in their guns and ammo suits, and kill whatever enemy is current. During the 1982 Lebanon War, all the artillery noise and racket suddenly stops! Why? So all the men can take a few hours off from killing and maiming to check out the World Cup Games on TV! Probably not far from the truth, like our Super Bowl! Lots of this book is downright mesmorizing, and terrifically well done, and the basic point of domineering war-loving men loving and leaving starry eyed women is probably true! Maybe a little dated, but even with it's flaws, a page turner well worth a few hours of one's time!

An incisive, important book

The events of Sept. 11 make this book a vital read. Morgan's analysis is mind-opening and well-documented.

Stunning

I haven't been able to put this book down for days! Conservatives will certainly not enjoy Morgan's feminist analysis of terrorism committed by what she calls "The-State-that-is" and "The-State-that-would-be." While she discusses everything from religion to revolution, from the situation in the Middle East to her own experiences during the Vietnam era, what I find most fascinating is her thorough examination of man as Thanatos, and woman as Eros.A beautiful, lyrical book that challenges and excites. You will come away a different person.