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A General Theory of Magic

By Marcel Mauss
Series: Routledge Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A General Theory of Magic, first written by Marcel Mauss and Henri Humbert in 1902 and republished by Mauss in 1950, explores the role of magic in 'primitive' societies and its enduring presence in modern thought and social behaviour. This work provides a compelling overview of magical practices across cultures, enriched with sociological and religious insights that remain relevant today. As distinctions blur between art, magic, and science, the book stands as a classic reflection on these intersecting realms.
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Format: Hardback
$23500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and the history of magic, as well as anyone fascinated by the interaction between traditional beliefs and contemporary social thought.

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Offers a fascinating snapshot of magic throughout various cultures as well as deep sociological and religious insights still very much relevant today.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

First written by Marcel Mauss and Henri Humbert in 1902, A General Theory of Magic gained a wide new readership when republished by Mauss in 1950.

As a study of magic in 'primitive' societies and its survival today in our thoughts and social actions, it represents what Claude Lévi-Strauss called, in an introduction to that edition, the astonishing modernity of the mind of one of the century's greatest thinkers.

The book offers a fascinating snapshot of magic throughout various cultures as well as deep sociological and religious insights still very much relevant today. At a period when art, magic, and science appear to be crossing paths once again, A General Theory of Magic presents itself as a classic for our times.

Series: Routledge Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Claude Lévi-Strauss praised Mauss for influencing not only ethnographers but also linguists, psychologists, historians, and scholars of religion and oriental studies, highlighting the broad impact of his work. Sir E.E. Evans-Pritchard recognised Mauss as a leading figure in French sociology, noting his learning, integrity, and conviction as exceptional.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780415255509

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 18 May 2001

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Routledge

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 192

Collections

Education & Reference Marcel Mauss Non-Fiction Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism Religion & Spirituality Series: Routledge Classics

About the Author

Marcel Mauss (1872 - 1950) French anthropologist and sociologist, author of The Gift, and, with Emile Durkheim, Primitive Classification.

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