The Magic Art and the Evolution of Kings, Vol 2, The Golden Bough. A Study in Magic and Religion, Part 1

The Golden Bough #2

by James George Frazer

A classic study of the beliefs & institutions of humankind, & the progress thru magic & religion to scientific thought, The Golden Bough has a unique status in modern anthropology & literature. First published in 1890, The Golden Bough was eventually issued in a 12-volume edition (1906-15) which was abridged in 1922 by the author & his wife. That abridgement has never been reconsidered for a modern audience. In it some of the more controversial passages were dropped, including Frazer's daring speculations on the Crucifixion of Christ.

429 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1911

About the author

Sir James George Frazer was a Scottish social anthropologist influential in the early stages of the modern studies of mythology and comparative religion. His most famous work, The Golden Bough (1890), documents and details the similarities among magical and religious beliefs around the globe. Frazer posited that human belief progressed through three stages: primitive magic, replaced by religion, in turn replaced by science.
He was married to the writer & translator Lilly Grove (Lady Frazer)

Reviews

[Cynthia]

This one was just mercilessly boring and repetitive. Only 12 more volumes to go!