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shiradest's review against another edition
I recall reading this book quite a few years ago, when I was a new Wiccan. I recall thinking that it had rehashed just enough mythology to be annoying, but not especially revealing, so I did not take notes on it. I suppose I shall have to read it again.
lukre's review against another edition
4.0
NonFiction2023 Book 1
Finally, after YEARS! I've finished it!
The amount of work that must have gone into this is mindblowing. The reading of it, on the other hand, is not something I'd recommend be done as your typical non-fiction book. This is more akin to reading a reference book, or a dictionary.
I am glad I've read it.
There are a some warnings for future readers - this was written at a time when different peoples and cultures were refered to in names we no longer use... so yeah, be prepared for that.
Finally, after YEARS! I've finished it!
The amount of work that must have gone into this is mindblowing. The reading of it, on the other hand, is not something I'd recommend be done as your typical non-fiction book. This is more akin to reading a reference book, or a dictionary.
I am glad I've read it.
There are a some warnings for future readers - this was written at a time when different peoples and cultures were refered to in names we no longer use... so yeah, be prepared for that.
bookwisp86's review against another edition
4.0
An study of rituals and belief systems found in cultures around the world. A very long and detailed work; it took me more then a year to read it for a reason!
I find myself seeing it's influence everywhere that even slightly involves religion, especially "ancient" practices. I don't expect anyone to read the whole thing unless their are obsessed with rituals and superstitions like me; but check it out for the explanation on sympathetic magic if nothing else.
Take everything in it with a big grain of salt too. Most of the rituals and customs were told to Frazer second or third hand through letters from his friends apparently.
Also it's in the public domain, so don't pay for if you are going to read it digitally.
I find myself seeing it's influence everywhere that even slightly involves religion, especially "ancient" practices. I don't expect anyone to read the whole thing unless their are obsessed with rituals and superstitions like me; but check it out for the explanation on sympathetic magic if nothing else.
Take everything in it with a big grain of salt too. Most of the rituals and customs were told to Frazer second or third hand through letters from his friends apparently.
Also it's in the public domain, so don't pay for if you are going to read it digitally.
woolfardis's review against another edition
4.0
A book on the origins of magic and religion on Earth: read for reference work. Quite dense and hard to work through: almost certain I haven't read the whole thing, but have dipped in and out to get inspiration. Good for anyone interested in Folklore and Myth, especially in Britain.
watoozi's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating. Like reading a whole book of those Readers Digest blurbs about super weird facts.
I especially enjoyed the comments about magic and religion.
I especially enjoyed the comments about magic and religion.
abetterjulie's review against another edition
1.0
Incredibly repetitive. I GET IT ALREADY! This was more like a thesis, a dull thesis, than a book.
ipacho's review against another edition
5.0
Inspiring, rich, illuminating. A book that looks into the past to give meaning to the present and future.
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