Steven G. Darian The Ganges in Myth and History. The University Press of Hawaii, 1978. 0824805097 xvi/219 pages. Volume, measuring approximately 6" x 8.75", is bound in brown cloth, with stamped blue lettering to spine. Book shows very light shelfwear. Previous owner's name is written at the top of front pastedown. Dust jacket displays light shelfwear. Jacket is preserved in mylar cover. "No river has kindled Man's imagination like the Ganges. From its icy origins high in the Himalayas, this sacred river flows through the holy cities and great plains of Northern India to the Bay of Bengal. In a country were the red heat of summer inspires prayer for the coming monsoon, the life-giving waters of the Ganges have assumed legendary powers in the form of the Hindu goddess Ganga, the source of creation and abundance. Pilgrims flock to her shores to cleanse and purify themselves to cure ailments, and to die that much closer to paradise. Steven Darian writes of the human experience and the legendary myths that surround the Ganges. The inspiration of poets and artists for centuries, the mysterious Ganga is the essence of the Divine Mother bringing increase and salvation, but also death and destruction."