Reviews for The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, Volume I (Dodo Press)

The average rating for The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, Volume I (Dodo Press) based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2007-04-24 00:00:00 Mikey Baby A copy of the Golden Bough is on Col. Kurtz's desk in Apocalypse Now. This is THE key text for Anglo (as opposed to German or French) anthopology in the 19th century. He takes an evolutionist approach to culture, assuming that Western modernity is the peak of civilization. That will totally grate on our contemporary post-modern relativist sensitivities, but the wealth of ethnographic and ethnological data in the work is astounding. His theory of magic in primitive societies predates Malinowski's utilitarian approach. His analysis of the dying and rising god (Isis and Osiris, Dummuzi and Inanna, etc.) motif throughout the world is worked into Apocalypse Now.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-03-06 00:00:00 Christopher Destefano This is an amazing read, although it is an aquired taste. This is a study on the rituals, birthrites and practices in belief systems in so many of our worlds cultures. From kings and queens to human sacrifice and magical lore, this book is the apex of info. At times can be a tough read, but in the end so worth it. Also good as a reference book to keep handy.