The Life Fantastic Myth, History, Pop and Folklore in the Making of Western Culture

A witty and magical collection of essays that investigates western culture through the broadest spectrum of literature, media and popular phenomenon.

Comparable in scope, wit and verve with the bestselling Sapiens and A Short History of Nearly Everything, this collection of highly entertaining, mind-blowing and incredibly wide-ranging essays will make readers see western culture as they've never seen it before. 

From monsters to witches and ancient libraries to lost islands, The Life Fantastic seeks to trace the origins of ideas, their surprising paths and unexpected ways in which they interact and manifest throughout history. By digging around the roots of literary genres, popular stories and ancient myths, Noa propels the reader back and forth through time, from high to popular culture, from art to politics and religion, on a journey to ever expanding horizons. The addition of side notes create a network of references between the chapters, allowing readers to follow links that interest them – to go from Amazons to Vikings, then to mermaids. 

Discover the real life stories that inspired characters from the most famous children's tales, from Winnie the Pooh to Alice in Wonderland. Track the discovery of the lost island Atlantis through western history, from Plato to Aquaman. Explore the history of the female clitoris, from when it was thought to identify a witch to Aristotle asserting that only blondes can orgasm. The Life Fantastic is an invitation to explore the fascinating structure and some of the rich elements that make up the collective subconscious of western culture.

Noa Manheim is an essayist, editor, lecturer, literary critic and head of the Hebrew literature department at Israel's largest publishing house. Manheim has made many appearances on radio and television. She is also known for her screenwriting, script editing and TV series development.