The Golden Bough by James George Frazer
"The Golden Bough" is a comprehensive study on mythology and religion, exploring the common themes found in different cultures around the world. The author uses a wide range of sources to argue that human belief progressed through three stages: primitive magic, replaced by religion, which in turn was replaced by science. The book delves into various rituals and customs, including the concept of the dying god in mythology and the role of fertility rites in agriculture. The author's theories have had a profound influence on both literature and anthropology.
The 1167th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 46th on 100 Best Books (Montana State University)
- 90th on The Modern Library | 100 Best Nonfiction (The Modern Library)
- Great Books of the Western World (Great Books Foundation)
- 100 Most Influential Books of the Century (Boston Public Library)