The Golden Bough

Sir James George Frazer (1854-1941) is rightly regarded as one of the founders of modern anthropology. The Golden Bough, his masterpiece, appeared in twelve volumes between 1890 and 1915. This volume is the author's own abridgement of his great work, and was first published in 1922. Remarkable for its vast assembly of facts and its charm of presentation, it offers the thesis that man progresses from magic through religious belief to scientific thought. It discusses fertility rites, human sacrifice, the dying god, the scapegoat and many other symbols and practices which have influenced a whole generation of 20th century writers, including D.H. Lawrence, Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot.

A classic study of the beliefs and institutions of mankind, and the progress through magic and religion to scientific thought, The Golden Bough has a unique status in modern anthropology and literature. First published in 1890, The Golden Bough was eventually issued in a twelve-volume edition (1906-15) which was abridged in 1922 by the author and 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. For the first time this one-volume edition restores Frazer's bolder theories and sets them within the framework of a valuable introduction and notes. A seminal work of modern anthropolgy, The Golden Bough also influenced many twentieth-century writers, including D H Lawrence, T S Eliot, and Wyndham Lewis. Its discussion of magical types, the sacrificial killing of kings, the dying god, and the scapegoat is given fresh pertinence in this new edition. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

A classic study of the beliefs and institutions of mankind, and the progress through magic and religion to scientific thought, The Golden Bough has a unique status in modern anthropology and literature. First published in 1890, The Golden Bough was eventually issued in a twelve-volume edition (1906-15) which was abridged in 1922 by the author and 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. For the first time this one-volume edition restores Frazer's bolder theories and sets them within the framework of a valuable introduction and notes. A seminal work of modern anthropolgy, The Golden Bough also influenced many twentieth-century writers, including D H Lawrence, T S Eliot, and Wyndham Lewis. Its discussion of magical types, the sacrificial killing of kings, the dying god, and the scapegoat is given fresh pertinence in this new edition. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

James Frazer's The Golden Bough is a groundbreaking exploration of myth, magic, and religion across cultures. Tracing ancient rites and sacred kingship, Frazer reveals the shared roots of human belief, offering a monumental study that forever changed anthropology, comparative religion, and our understanding of the myths that shape civilization.

Explore the roots of human belief with James George Frazer's "The Golden Bough," a monumental study of mythology, folklore, and religion. This is Volume 7 of 12, specifically "Part 5, Spirits of the Corn and the Wild, Vol. 1 of 2," delving into ancient rituals and superstitions surrounding agriculture and the untamed world. Frazer meticulously examines the pervasive influence of magic and spiritual beliefs on early societies. Discover the fascinating connections between seemingly disparate customs and traditions across cultures. This volume provides a detailed examination of the spirits that were believed to inhabit the cornfields and forests, influencing the success of crops and the bounty of the land. A cornerstone of anthropological study, "The Golden Bough" offers insights into the origins of religious practices and the enduring power of myth. This carefully prepared print edition ensures the preservation of Frazer's important work for continued study and appreciation. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Sir James George Frazer's monumental study of 'magic and religion' is here presented in its 1922 edition, containing all three volumes. From Rome to Egypt to Polynesia, Frazer covered it all. Corn gods, dying gods, to fertility gods; Frazer explored and examined them all, identifying common themes throughout the world. The implications to Christianity were controversial: Either Christianity was myth like these myths, or else Christianity is true in its claim that all men are made in God's image so that no matter how far they fall from the knowledge of God, revealed or otherwise, they cannot but help to act on their created, religious instincts. These questions and more will arise in the mind of the honest seeker of truth through Frazer's thorough and forthright presentations of facts and analysis.

Sir James George Frazer's monumental study of 'magic and religion' is here presented in its 1922 edition, containing all three volumes. From Rome to Egypt to Polynesia, Frazer covered it all. Corn gods, dying gods, to fertility gods; Frazer explored and examined them all, identifying common themes throughout the world. The implications to Christianity were controversial: Either Christianity was myth like these myths, or else Christianity is true in its claim that all men are made in God's image so that no matter how far they fall from the knowledge of God, revealed or otherwise, they cannot but help to act on their created, religious instincts. These questions and more will arise in the mind of the honest seeker of truth through Frazer's thorough and forthright presentations of facts and analysis.

Explore the roots of human belief with James George Frazer's "The Golden Bough," a monumental study of mythology, folklore, and religion. This is Volume 7 of 12, specifically "Part 5, Spirits of the Corn and the Wild, Vol. 1 of 2," delving into ancient rituals and superstitions surrounding agriculture and the untamed world. Frazer meticulously examines the pervasive influence of magic and spiritual beliefs on early societies. Discover the fascinating connections between seemingly disparate customs and traditions across cultures. This volume provides a detailed examination of the spirits that were believed to inhabit the cornfields and forests, influencing the success of crops and the bounty of the land. A cornerstone of anthropological study, "The Golden Bough" offers insights into the origins of religious practices and the enduring power of myth. This carefully prepared print edition ensures the preservation of Frazer's important work for continued study and appreciation. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.