Echoes of Narcissus

<p> In Greek mythology the beautiful Narcissus glimpsed his own reflection in the waters of a spring and fell in love. But his was an impossible passion and filled with despair he pined away. Over the years the myth has inspired painters writers and film directors as well as philosophers and psychoanalysts. The tragic story of Narcissus in love with himself and of Echo the nymph in love with him lies at the heart of this collection of essays exploring the origins of the myth and some of its many cultural manifestations and meanings relating to the self and the self's relationship to the other. Through their discussion of the myth and its ramifications the contributors to this volume broaden our understanding of one of the fundamental myths of Western culture.</p>