An important essay by a philosopher who more convincingly than any other Ican think of demonstrates the continuing significance of his vocation inthe life of our culture.--Karsten Harries, The New York Times Book ReviewWith The Presence of Myth, Kolakowski demonstrates that no matter how hardman strives for purely rational thought, there has always been-and alwayswill be-a reservoir of mythical images that lend being and consciousness aspecifically human meaning.Kolakowski undertakes a philosophy of culture which extends to all realmsof human intercourse--intellectual, artistic, scientific, and emotional. .. . [His] book has real significance for today, and may well become aclassic in the philosophy of culture.--Anglican Theological Review