The Golden Bough: a study in magic and religion (Abridged Edition)

J.G. Frazer

ISBN 10: 0333096290 / ISBN 13: 9780333096291

Published by Macmillan Press, London, 1971

The classic work first published in 1922. Solid tight clean PB reading copy. From the library of author Mary K. Greer, with her signsature inside. 971 pp, index, Good w owner name inside, faint dampstain to rear fewpages. MM Paperback in color illus wraps. Seller Inventory # 26040

Synopsis:

Fantasy Reference Book / Religion - A study in Magic and Religion, first published in 1922. A massive book, but still this is an abriged edition. The Golden Bough is a wide-ranging, comparative study of mythology and religion, written by Scottish anthropologist Sir James George Frazer (1854–1941). It first was published in two volumes in 1890; the third edition, published 1906–15, comprised twelve volumes. It was aimed at a broad literate audience raised on tales as told in such publications as Thomas Bulfinch's The Age of Fable, or Stories of Gods and Heroes (1855). It offered a modernist approach to discussing religion, treating it dispassionately as a cultural phenomenon rather than from a theological perspective. The impact of The Golden Bough on contemporary European literature was substantial.

Review: I'll skip reviewing the content and speak to book's edition. This is the one that was abridged by the author from a multi-volume, earlier edition. In later years, the tome was watered down and censored due to authorial speculation on the nature of Jesus. All the controversial ideas are present in this particular edition, so it is safe to purchase it and not feel cheated. --By A. D. Sian on July 4, 2007

In The Golden Bough, James George Frazer, an expert social anthropologist, explains the ancient origins of the world's myths, rituals, and religions. He shows the similarities between many cultures' strange superstitions, such as animal and human sacrifice, fertility ritual, community cleansing rituals, and others. He begins with the question of why, at Nemi in prehistoric Greek times, a warrior priest known as the King of the Wood kept his position by fighting for his life, which could be threatened at any time by his successor and murderer. By attempting to explain this ancient tradition, Frazer examines similarities between religious beliefs and shows how the belief in magic and the worship of nature was gradually transformed into the worship of religious kings and gods. Controversially, many elements of Christianity are included, such as Christ's crucifixion and the fact that many Christian holidays coincide with the dates of prehistoric pagan rituals. For the diligent skeptic of Frazer's ideas, I would advise reading the full, multi-volume edition, which includes the archeological evidence for the theories. --By translucenc on May 28, 2010

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Golden Bough: a study in magic and ...
Publisher: Macmillan Press, London
Publication Date: 1971
Binding: Soft cover
Edition: Reprint.