Published in 1890, the work traces the mechanisms of thought from the modern, scientific stage back to the religious stage, and finally the magical stage.
Beginning with a description of the priesthood of the "king of the wood," its author argues that the institution of divine kingships derived from the belief that the well being of the natural order depends upon the vitality of the king. Published in 1890, the work traces the mechanisms of thought from the modern, scientific stage back to the religious stage, and finally the magical stage. FTP identify this no longer accepted, though nonetheless revolutionary, work of comparative religion and mythology written by James Frazer.
Beginning with a description of the priesthood of the "king of the wood," its author argues that the institution of divine kingships derived from the belief that the well being of the natural order depends upon the vitality of the king.
The Golden Bough