| Author |
Frazer, James George, 1854-1941 |
| Title |
The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (Third Edition, Vol. 03 of 12)
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 66.8 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
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| Note |
Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Bough
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| Summary |
"The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion" by James George Frazer is a scholarly and anthropological exploration written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the intricacies of magic, religion, and the concept of taboo across various cultures, examining how these elements influence societal structures and beliefs. It focuses on the symbolic significance of taboos, particularly those surrounding royal and priestly figures, as well as broader implications for human morality and social organization. At the start of the volume, the author introduces the concept of taboo and its origins from Polynesian culture, explaining its extensive influence on religious, social, and political life. The opening chapter discusses the burdens placed on kings and priests, who are often viewed as divine figures whose actions directly impact the well-being of their subjects. Frazer highlights specific examples from Japan and West Africa, illustrating how these sacred roles come with a complex set of restrictions meant to preserve the lives of these rulers for the greater good. Through these insights, the text sets the stage for a deeper examination of how these beliefs manifest in rituals and customs across different cultures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
BL: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Religion: General, Miscellaneous and Atheism
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| Subject |
Religion
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| Subject |
Magic
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| Subject |
Superstition
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| Subject |
Mythology
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
41832 |
| Release Date |
Jan 12, 2013 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Jun 15, 2020 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
248 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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