The Golden Bough

The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion is a comprehensive anthropological study of the origins and evolution of religion and magic across different cultures and civilizations. Written by James George Frazer, a Scottish social anthropologist, the book was first published in 1890 and has since become a classic in the field of anthropology.The book is divided into two volumes, with the first volume focusing on the primitive beliefs and practices of ancient societies, while the second volume explores the more complex and sophisticated religious systems of more modern civilizations. Frazer draws on a wide range of sources, including mythology, folklore, and ethnographic accounts, to trace the development of religious and magical beliefs and practices from their earliest origins to the present day.The Golden Bough covers a wide range of topics, including the concept of the sacred, the role of ritual and sacrifice in religious practice, the symbolism of myth and legend, and the evolution of religious institutions and organizations. Throughout the book, Frazer emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context in which different religious and magical practices emerged, and he provides numerous examples of how these practices have been influenced by social, economic, and political factors.Despite its age, The Golden Bough remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and evolution of religion and magic. Its insights into the cultural and psychological roots of religious belief and practice continue to inform contemporary scholarship in anthropology, sociology, and psychology.1927. The primary aim of this book is to explain the remarkable rule which regulated the succession to the priesthood of Diana at Aricia. With the instances of customs illustrated in this volume, it is no longer possible to regard the rule of succession to the priesthood of Diana at Aricia as exceptional; it clearly exemplifies a widespread institution, of which the most numerous and the most similar cases have thus far been found in Africa.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.