Rating: 
Summary: Myth not Science
Review: I read this book twice and I found it interesting but tendentious. It's a good source if you're interested in traditional symbolism as I am, particularly the symbolism connected with rotating devices like wheels, drills, spindle whorls, and churns. Santillana is very intelligent but a little too clever for his own good at times. He is really a student of the history of science, who, despite his erudition, is beyond his depth when it comes to traditional symbolism. Like many people who have a background in science and come to the humanities, he is unencumbered by irrelevant psychological and political models and knows how to look for the deeper patterns underlying data. He is quick to discern the metaphorical and analogical nature of symbolism and its power to carry meaning at a number of levels simultaneously. He also understands that it's a formal system for encoding meaning and that's it's very old. The specialists don't persuade him because he sees the bigger picture. On the other hand, he is totally unfamiliar with the religious and metaphysical underpinnings of these traditions. Despite his voluminous bibliography, there is no reference to Rene Guenon, Ananda Coomaraswamy, or Titus Burchhardt even when they've written on the very motifs he is discussing like the Clashing Rocks (Symplegedes) or the axis mundi. At times he can be quite cocky, like the smart boy in class who is accustomed to outwitting the teacher. A little of this goes a long way. Still, his comments are often interesting like his remarks on the astronomical significance of crossed figures, a topic he only partially understands. His basic assumption that myth is encoded science makes no sense to me. The kind of astronomy he is talking about dates from late Neolithic times and is part and parcel of the growth of numbers, writing, and sedentary life. These myths are far older than that. No one has yet to make a convincing claim for Paleolithic astronomy beyond simple observation and myth. While it is true that symbols are generally rooted in simple observation (rotating devices are models of the heavens) but this is a far cry from the precession of the equinoxes. That requires a level of abstraction far beyond the means of early men whose genius was of another type entirely and who were far more concerned about death and rebirth. I would not wish to dissuade anyone from reading this book though it can be tough going at times due to its lack of organization and long quotations in foreign languages, as most of the reviewers have noted.
Rating: 
Summary: The Architecture of the Spirit
Review: I've been reading and re-reading this book for over twentyfive years. My first reading inspired the work I've been doing ever since. Everyone, including me agrees, that it's not an easy book to read. It's written in a style that's not interested in accommodating the instant gratification reader. It's full of scholarship of the old kind, erudite, witty and demanding. It's also a subject for which, as the authors say, there is no map- 'From whichever way one enters it, one is caught in the same bewildering circular complexity'. You've got to bring your whole mind to it.
But it's just beautiful; the authors take delight in their erudition as much as they do in debunking their fellow academics, at the same time celebrating those figures from the past who knew what was afoot.
What inspired me most was the idea that what we'd been lead to believe were the flights of fancy of a primitive people living in ignorance, or the revelations of supernatural beings, (ie myths) were in fact the creation of profoundly human intelligences searching for meaning in their experience. What they discerned in the process was not only the patterns of the universe but also how those patterns were reflected in their own minds.
Hamlet's Mill introduces us to the possibility of hearing the echoes of those ancient minds, and to understanding the profound influence that their insights have had on our spiritual lives.
If you, like the authors, suspect, or are prepared to consider, that Plato has more to tell us about myth than psychology does, or if you think that somehow art and science are the same thing, then you should try this book; if it gets a hold of you, it will never let go; if it doesn't, you'll consider the authors tendentious and overbearing, and you'll miss the revolution in thought it offers: it's not everyone's cup of tea.
The anthropologist Levi-Strauss called myth 'the Architecture of the Spirit'; this book was the first attempt to describe the grammar of that architecture. Other authors since have used the revelations of this book to pursue ideas about variuos esoteric events in history. What distinguishes this book is that, for all its focus on the starry sky, it remains firmly rooted in humanity. Someone should make a proper index though!
Rating: 
Summary: A great book in need of a rewrite!
Review: I've read this book twice and I should still probably read it again. A terrific piece of work!! I believe this work would have had a much greater impact if it were a little more reader friendly. The book came across to me as a social event where you get stuck in the corner being lectured at by two uptight-crusty-know it all professors all night long. Hey maybe the book was written without the casual reader in mind. I don't know. Regardless, what they say is absolutely fascinating, how they say it depends on your threshold for pomposity.
Rating:
Summary: Leaves Much To Be Desired
Review: If one is looking for documented back-up that the ancients of pre-history were aware of the precession of the equinoxes, and that this knowledge is embedded and encoded in world mythology, Hamlet's Mill does the job. However-- the authors seem to be of the notion that the primary purpose and interpretation of myth is to convey astronomical information. In reality, myths are the residue of ancient mystical teachings and of real events and beings of pre-history. The fairy tales of Europe, the Hindu scriptures, Sufi tales of the mystic east, Greek and Egyptian mythology all are rooted in this ancient essence, to which the authors give short shrift. If one is seeking the truth that lies behind myth--aside from the precession thing- seek elsewhere than in Hamlet's Mill, which takes a very worldly, mundane view.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful in style, research and multi-faceted approach
Review: In the science of Egyptology there are certain books that you are supposed to know not to discuss openly, but be sure you have read. The writers and their works become like sex, politics and religious conversations at upscale parties; you don't discuss them not because they aren't valid, but because they are too much so to accurately gage one's reaction to bringing them up, or how personally they will take it, OR how upsetting someone's lack of a concrete, well thought out and defensible opinion on it will be perceived on both sides. This is one of those. Alan Alford's books, particularly THE PHOENIX SOLUTION (currently only available in the UK; see Amazon.co.uk) are the "Hamlet's Mill"s of our generation (said by none other than Michael Rice, a great writer/Egyptologist himself), but this is the prototype turned archtype for the final decades of the twentieth century- and it isn't even Egyptological in nature. Schopenhauer once said that there are three stages for the life of an emerging truth: first it is ignored or scorned, secondly there is violent opposition... and then thirdly, it is accepted as self-evident. It will be some time before you develop the ability to see all of the religious/mythic/astronomical discoveries of deSantillana and von Dechend as self-evident when you immediately put the book down (because there are so many), but oh, when you do, it won't ever be forgotten. Their proven theories create a paradigm shift regarding perspectives on the Ancient and Classical world that send ripples through everything, including our misapplied view of Darwinian theory on prehistoric culture, and the basis of religion and philosophy for the millenia following, right up until today. Their elucidation of the ancient scientific- as opposed to purely gut-instinctual (aka non-existent) mind, done in an almost poetic but still erudite fashion, makes for both a enlightening and page turning read. The stars have a way of becoming more beautiful when you read this book, as they become really meaningful again. This is the kind of book made more for open minded scholars and those who appreciate their work, as opposed to the realm of the out there, Astronaut theorists. In fact, it made me question the validity of the Bauvals and Hancocks of rogue Egyptology and Babylonia/Sumerology that much more, because of how it ennobles the communal prehistoric mind, beyond the need of extra-terrestrials to explain its achievements. It is made obvious by deSantillana that it is a communal mind that our current prejudices have been made all but incapable of understanding. The only thing that could keep it from earning a perfect five stars for me would be it's seemingly anxious way of ignoring Egypt to tenously put ancient Sumerian culture at the center and forefront of all knowledge. It is almost the way you would nervously ignore a drop-dead gogeous blonde who walks in to a party in a red mini-skirt and leather, while your wife is staring at you angrily in her best dress. (In other words, it paradoxically works to justify the work of Egyptologists who say that "ovah heeyah" is where all the real beauty is, but in an almost annoying way.) That (let's call it) forgiveable prejudice nonetheless also necessitated leaving out much of the rest of Africa in their thesis, and obscuring some of the ancient Middle East- even in talk of the actual meaning behind the drum and rhythm in religious ritual. I would suggest the work of Gerald Massey (ANCIENT EGYPT, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD) after spending a few nights with this one to pick up from where I feel they drop the ball. Nonetheless, its relevance and importance cannot be overstated, as much for deSantillana's standing in academia (Professor of the History of Science at MIT), as for what and how he and the equally esteemed von Dechend wrote. They also both gleefully acknowledge their antecedents and intellectual mentors like Dupuis, Lockyer and Godfrey Higgins, further reifying the field of scholarship that makes everyone in stale academia more than a bit uncomfortable, and has for more than a century. (It also makes you look again at the genuis of Shakespeare with whole new eyes!) A very special book for all times.
Rating:
Summary: Great Knowledge Obscurely Presented
Review: Is mythic knowledge accessible by esoteric argument only? The messageof Hamlet's Mill is that ancient knowledge of the Precession of theEquinoxes was transmitted from one generation to another, even fromone age to another, through oral myths. Yet this serpentinepresentation of that message, at times dramatic, at times even poetic,serves too often to obscure the message itself. The importance ofdemonstrating that catastrophic events have not only occurred in man'scollective memory, but have been recorded in myth, cannot beoveremphasized. Hamlet's Mill should be one of the most importantworks of the past century. Yet it has failed to acheive thatstatus. Perhaps the attempt to duplicate the communal and magical wayof knowing, experienced by the ancients, is simply too foreign to ourmodern way of knowing, in which intellectual concepts can be morereadily absorbed through a more direct presentation. Great knowledgeis simple when perceived directly, difficult when obscured.
Rating:
Summary: The Science of the Ancients Uncovered!
Review: The basic premise of the book ("essay") _Hamlet's Mill_ is that the myth of Hamlet (and its variants) and in general all the ancient myths can be interpreted as a code language expressing the astronomical knowledge of precession of the equinoxes among ancient cultures. The idea is that the archetype of the "mill" represents the heavens above and that by a mixing of the mill is meant the stirring of the heavens. The passing of the earth from the Age of Aries (the ram) to the Age of Pisces (the fish) in ancient times is determined to be a highly significant psychological event for "primitive" man. It is imagined that primitive man, gazing up at the night sky, was completely and utterly mystified. The paths of the stars and of those roaming stars - the planets - would have served as a source of astoundment for the primitive. In this way, the science of astronomy veiled beneath its pseudo-scientific cousin astrology was given birth to.The important thing to realize is that man's life here on earth is influenced much by psychological forces played out in the heavens. And, by this is meant that the heavens (and what occurs up there) can serve as portents of imminent doom. To the primitive, these astronomical occurrences must have given rise to indescribable emotions. These serve as a guide in understanding the primitive mythologies. Thus, myth is taken to be based on an astronomical (astrological) foundation. And, with the heralding in of new world ages, the psyche of man is greatly affected. Events taking place in the heavens served a special purpose to the primitive individual. By following the paths of the stars and planets in the sky as they trace out their motions, primitive man was able to briefly observe a small cross-section of the workings of the entire universe. By following along these lines, the primitive individual was capable of projecting the heavenly occurrences onto earthly matters. In this manner, the heavens were mirrored by the daily, mundane earthly events, and this gave rise to myth. To the ancients, the myth represented the corridor between man and the heavenly entities above. By traveling through this corridor, man was enabled to observe the world as it really is, in all its mystery. Consider the primitive stranded in a world in which he does not understand; in fact, one in which he is incapable of understanding, the daily flux of events as they unwind from the cosmic thread. The playing out of these cosmic events was of enormous significance. Imagine now gazing up at the night sky tens of thousands of years ago, awestruck with wonder. Then, the cryptic message of that enormous cryptogram must play an enormous role in the lives of the ancient individual. And, remember, that to the ancient, the primitive sky is available for all to observe (not just a select few). But, it was only those select, initiated few who were fully aware of these cosmic events. To the early Hebrew, the heavens were of especial significance. To these people, the heavens marked the location of the Kingdom of God (the one God). The advent of the monotheistic religion of the early Hebrew marked an enormous event in the history of mankind. The philosophical significance of this realization of a single deity is immense. By following along these lines, one can realize the great importance that the heavens must have had for the early diletante in monotheism. These "primitive" individuals gave birth to one of the greatest motivating factors of the modern era. To the ancient Hebrew, the word of the one God was recorded in the Torah, the Law of Moses. This marked the beginning of the Age of Aries, as demonstrated in the classical scene with the worshipping of the golden calf. This biblical scene illustrates the fall of the Age of Taurus and the progression into the Age of Aries. The molten, golden calf is a representation of the bull, Taurus. And, the God of Moses demands that those worshipping the calf must suffer for their misdeeds. Later, the birth of Jesus Christ is signified by a brilliant star in the sky (the Star of Bethlehem). What exactly this really is intended to be is obscure. However, notice that Jesus Christ is represented by the fish (pisces) and so his era is associated with the Age of the Fish. To the ancients, the heavens represented a vast virtual playground upon which the course of history was plotted out. The cryptological significance of this is mindboggling to the modern man, who views ancient man as primitive in both technological advancement and intelligence. The idea that ancient man could have possessed a capable intellect full of the mirth of the intellectual (semiotical) cryptogram is anathema to the modern man. The mere suggestion of this is considered absurd. However, the question that the discerning modern individual must ask is how absurd is it and why should one not attempt to fully appreciate all the events and their significances that have lead up to the psychological and mental development of modern man. Beneath the carpet of modern bias is an historical mystery of vast import awaiting a solution. An attempted solution to this historical puzzle is presented here.
Rating: 
Summary: Good work false conclusions
Review: The book is an intersting read and I compliment the writers for the work. However to get a more conhesive and accurate interpetaion (that my not have been available to the authors). A bolder tie/vision is needed. If the writers want a more enlighting view of the pieces they compiled and a more comprehensive presentatioin, I advise reading The 12th Planet by Zacaria Sitchken
Rating:
Summary: As The World Turns
Review: The Hamlet reference is pretty quickly explained as the authors take us back through the myths and mists of time, informing us as they go that the story of the melancholic intellectual of Elsinore was adapted from a Nordic tale of 'Amleth' and in an earlier carnation 'Amlodhi' . Both these characters suffered the trials and tribulations of our hero of Elsinore. Though the former in-carnation's disturbed Nordic pronouncements took on an oracular flavor that the audience perhaps sense if not 'Amlodhi's' dramatis personae contemporaries. The authors of 'Hamlet's Mill' seize on these apparent confabulations of a mad man as somehow holding the key to the tale they wish to tell. Next we are introduced to Kullervo Kalevanpoika , a mythic epic of Finland, Estonia and Lapland. The familial machinations of the plot include the usual incest and brother smiting brother and it all ends badly. There is, we then learn yet another version of the tale out of Iran. This one also ends with the ascent of Kai Khusrau, the hero of the tale, on a solo suicide mission as he willingly gives up the mortal coil, having fallen into a deep melancholy, espousing questions of 'what's it all about, then?' as he goes heavenward, even though 'The whole world is my kingdom, all is mine From Pisces downward to the Bull's head' Which seems a strange set of boundaries by which to delineate a kingdom. We get the sense that 'The Bull's Head" is not the name of the Pub on the corner, but pertains to the constellation, Taurus. The authors waste no time picking up on this and other such obtuse references to the constellations as road markers to the unifying theory they seem in search of. The next few chapters lay out the story so far for 'the perplexed', i.e., anyone who is still reading the book without an advanced degree in metaphysics or Pythagorean theory. That the whole point of all this relates to a misconception on the part of every academic - apart from the golden boys, Newton, Kepler, Galilieo and Plato, that human culture anywhere has ever developed a mythology or cosmology with any relation to terrestrial goings on at all. As the authors crack open the secret of the precession of the equinoxes, a natural result of an inherent 'wobble' the earth performs on it's axis - a wobble that takes some two and a half thousand years to complete. It is this event, the authors maintain, and the accompanying 'chaos' of the apparent movement of the zodiacal 'horizon' in the sky, that accompanied the 23 degree shift of the equatorial plane that fuelled many a myth in many a culture. As Bull's fell from the sky (Taurus) and, worst of all, the great flood which occurred as Eridanus, the constellation of a long river to the heaven's broke from it's banks. Consequently flooding the heavens as Inanna, the Sumerian 'Lady Of The Heaven's' or Venus of the early Greeks seemed to sail off one way as the whole 'world' seemed to turn. Not that it all happened overnight. Sumerian and Akkadian astronomers had been diligently watching the skies for Millenia. Noting down on clay tablets the steady, predictability of the journey of the fixed stars (zodiacal and beyond) through the year as well as the less predictable to and frow of the known planets (The Gods, themselves) that even had Plato scratching his head some two thousand years later. This insidious calamity would probably have passed un-noticed - except for climate changes - possibly related to the thaw and freeze of the ice caps - the floodings and the droughts which were always tied into the good will of the Gods, the Stars in the sky. There is much more to the story, much more that is persuasive, enlightening and potentially earth shattering. The authors are evangelical to the point of being cultish - bad-mouthing the academics that still dare to invest in the idea of fertility cults running the show. Infact their elitist pontificating does tend to get a little irksome. As does their insistence, while defending the likes of Newton and Plato, in suggesting that science is not for the peons like you and I to bother our pretty little heads with, but is the holy work of the great thinkers (like De Santillana and Von Dechend). And why couldn't they have the good manners to translate their oh so clever (I suppose they were clever...I didn't understand them) quotations from the French and Italian and whatever? This book is immense in scope, I haven't even mentioned the 'Mill' bit of the title. If one can stand to share the company of these too rather overbearing and pretentious name droppers for the duration of the book, your world view will have changed and your mind will have opened to possibilities you were unaware of. I recommend you stick with it.
Rating:
Summary: For dedicated scholars only
Review: The Reader will find that this book is quoted in the bibliography of many if not all recent books concerning the origins of human civilisation and the extent of knowledge possesed by our ancestors, that it has almost become a bible to modern researchers in this field. However, upon reading, it is not hard to see why this should be. The authors show compelling evidence that myth was a way of handing down complex information in easy to manage packages within stories, and that modern man has lost all understanding of the true nature of the myth. They also boldly state that the majority of this information pertains primarily to the mechanics of celestial movements and the precessional cycle. However, it can be at times a very heavy text and can indeed be hard to understand upon first reading, but perseverence is most rewarding. At times the text is interupted by periodic quotes of German, Latin or French which, if one does not know the language can cause the reader to feel that he/she has missed some major point of the argument. Having been published in 1969, this book is beginning to feel its age especially with the help of modern authors explaining many of its main arguments in a much more simple and effective way. It is an excellent book, and one that you may go back upon in future to study again and again. However, it is not advised for the casual reader, and most definately not for any one with a less than passing interest in myth.
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