The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion (Vol. 1 of 2)

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Frazer, James George, 1854-1941

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion (Vol. 1 of 2)" by James George Frazer is a scholarly work on comparative mythology and anthropology, written in the late 19th century. The book explores the themes of religion and superstition across various cultures, with a focus on primitive beliefs and practices, particularly surrounding nature worship. The opening sets the stage for a deep investigation into human expressions of divinity and the interconnectedness of ritualistic practices across civilizations. At the start of the book, Frazer introduces the concept of the "King of the Wood," which centers on the ancient priesthood found in the sacred grove near Lake Nemi in Italy. This priest, tasked with guarding sacred rituals, is bound by a unique rule whereby he can only be succeeded by someone who kills him, underscoring a theme of life, death, and regeneration inherent in ancient religious rituals. The introduction hints at the wider implications of this sacrificial system, suggesting it reflects broader patterns of belief found in various cultures. Frazer also emphasizes the connection between the primitive rituals observed in Europe today and those of ancient peoples, indicating that such customs can provide vital insights into the evolution of religion and myth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 66.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Bough

Release date is 2012-10-16