100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Auckland Bookstore open Sunday 8:30am-5:00pm 📚

The Mythology in Our Language – Remarks on Frazer`s Golden Bough

3.79 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 239 ratings, 34 reviews)
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
The Mythology in Our Language – Remarks on Frazer's Golden Bough presents Ludwig Wittgenstein's 1931 critical reflections on James Frazer's seminal work, exploring themes such as ritual, magic, religion, and belief. This edition offers the first translation by an anthropologist, aiming to bridge anthropology and philosophy through a renewed interdisciplinary dialogue. It includes contributions from leading anthropologists who engage deeply with Wittgenstein’s ideas, making the text a vital resource for understanding the intersection of human belief and cultural practice.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$6699
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

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?

Ideal for readers interested in anthropology, philosophy of religion, and cultural studies, especially those curious about the theoretical dialogues between early 20th-century thinkers and contemporary anthropological perspectives.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

In 1931 Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote his famous Remarks on Frazer's "Golden Bough," published posthumously in 1967. At that time, anthropology and philosophy were in close contact - thinkers drew heavily on anthropology's theoretical terms, in order to help them explore the limits of human belief and imagination. This is a translation of his work.

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

In 1931, Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote his famous Remarks on Frazer’s Golden Bough, published posthumously in 1967. At that time, anthropology and philosophy were in close contact—continental thinkers drew heavily on anthropology’s theoretical terms, like mana, taboo, and potlatch, in order to help them explore the limits of human belief and imagination. Now the book receives its first translation by an anthropologist, in the hope that it can kick-start a new era of interdisciplinary fertilisation.

Wittgenstein’s remarks on ritual, magic, religion, belief, ceremony, and Frazer’s own logical presuppositions are as lucid and thought-provoking now as they were in Wittgenstein’s day. Anthropologists find themselves asking many of the same questions as Wittgenstein—and in a reflection of that, this volume is fleshed out with a series of engagements with Wittgenstein’s ideas by some of the world’s leading anthropologists, including Veena Das, David Graeber, Wendy James, Heonik Kwon, Michael Lambek, Michael Puett, and Carlo Severi.

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?

Praised as a "revelatory" and "dazzling contribution," this volume has been lauded for restoring Wittgenstein's remarks to their vibrant intellectual context. Esteemed scholars highlight its importance in fostering a new era of scholarly exchange between philosophy and anthropology, with recognition of its value in both teaching and research.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780990505068

Publisher: HAU

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 February 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: HAU

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 227.0mm

Weight: 372g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was arguably the most influential philosopher of the twentieth century. Giovanni da Col is a research fellow in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Oslo and the founder of HAU Books and HAU: Journal of Ethnographic Theory. Stephan Palmie is professor of anthropology at the University of Chicago and the author of many books, including The Cooking of History, published by the University of Chicago Press.

Also by Ludwig Wittgenstein

View all
  • Baron Bagge
    90 classic titles celebrating 90 years of Penguin Books Baron Bagge, a cavalry officer during the First World War, receives orders from his unhinged commander to ride into Russian machine guns. But instead of meeting certain death, he and his brigade pass, unscathed, into a peaceful, otherworldly country where festivities are in full swing... Alexander Lernet-Holenia, championed in his lifetime...
    Paperback
    $1799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • On Certainty
    Written over the last 18 months of his life and inspired by his interest in G. E. Moore’s defence of common sense, this much discussed volume collects Wittgenstein’s reflections on knowledge and certainty, on what it is to know a proposition for sure.
    Paperback
    $5999
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Philosophical Investigations
    New editions of the Commentary on Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations from Wiley-Blackwell. Wittgenstein: Understanding and Meaning, Volume 1 of An Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations Part I: Essays G. P. Baker and P. M. S. Hacker Second, extensively revised edition by P. M. S. Hacker Wittgenstein: Understanding and Meaning, Volume 1 of An Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations Part...
    Paperback
    $6199
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Philosophical Investigations
    New editions of the Commentary on Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations from Wiley-Blackwell. Wittgenstein: Understanding and Meaning, Volume 1 of An Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations Part I: Essays G. P. Baker and P. M. S. Hacker Second, extensively revised edition by P. M. S. Hacker. Wittgenstein: Understanding and Meaning, Volume 1 of An Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations Part...
    Hardback
    $7399
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
    More than a century after its composition, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus—Wittgenstein's first masterwork and the only book he published during his lifetime—endures as the definitive modern text on what logic can and cannot do. Since its first English-language publication in 1922, this profoundly enigmatic work has inspired philosophers and non-philosophers alike. Consisting of 525 hierarchically numbered statements, each one "self-evident," Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus...
    Hardback
    $5199
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • On Certainty
    The German text, with a facing English translation by P. M. S. Hacker. Ludwig Wittgenstein's On Certainty collects the final notes of one of the twentieth century’s most influential thinkers, written during the last eighteen months of his life. These posthumously published fragments reflect on questions of knowledge, doubt, and belief. They offer a distinctive perspective on Wittgenstein's late philosophy...
    Paperback
    $7199
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Private Notebooks
    During the pandemic, Marjorie Perloff, one of our foremost scholars of global literature, found her mind ineluctably drawn to the profound commentary on life and death in the wartime diaries of eminent philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951). Upon learning that these notebooks, which richly contextualise the early stages of his magnum opus, the Tractatus-Logico-Philosophicus, had never before been published in English,...
    Paperback
    $3399
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Last Writings on the Philosophy of Psychology
    In the last years of his life, from 1949 to 1951, Wittgenstein's writings focused upon knowledge and certainty (collected together in On Certainty), upon colour concepts (in Remarks on Colour), and upon the relation between the "inner" and "outer", that is, between so-called mental states and bodily behaviour. His writings on this third theme, now available in paperback, are gathered...
    Paperback
    $8099
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Private Notebooks: 1914-1916
    During the pandemic, Marjorie Perloff, one of our foremost scholars of global literature, found her mind ineluctably drawn to the profound commentary on life and death in the wartime diaries of eminent philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951). Upon learning that these notebooks, which richly contextualize the early stages of his magnum opus, the Tractatus-Logico-Philosophicus, had never before been published in English,...
    Hardback
    $4799
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Culture and Value
    Wittgenstein's notebooks included reflections on all kinds of topics alongside the more strictly philosophical work—on the nature of art, religion, culture, and the nature of philosophical activity. Culture and Value is a selection from these reflections. The new edition contains supplementary material which enhances the intelligibility of some of the entries in the original edition. It also includes all the...
    Paperback
    $10900
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Remarks on the Philosophy of Psychology, Volume 1
    "These two volumes must be welcomed in particular for the illumination they shed ... on Wittgenstein's already published discussions ... the characteristic deluge of examples, analogies, questions and challenges is as ever, maddening, provoking and thought-provoking, and with the earlier-published works they constitute not just the most detailed but also the best treatment of these profoundly important issues." Kathleen Wilkes,...
    Paperback
    $9799
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
    More than a century after its composition, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus—Wittgenstein's first masterwork, and the only book he published during his lifetime—endures as the definitive modern text on what logic can and cannot do. Since its first English-language publication in 1922, this profoundly enigmatic work has inspired philosophers and non-philosophers alike. Consisting of 525 hierarchically numbered statements, each one "self-evident," Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus...
    Paperback
    $3599
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks

Also by Stephan Palmié

View all
  • Thinking with Ngangas
    Thinking with Ngangas offers a comparative investigation of Afro-Cuban ritual and Western science that aims to challenge the rationality of Western expert practices. Inspired by the exercises of Father Lafitau, an eighteenth-century Jesuit priest and proto-ethnographer who compared the lives of the Iroquois to those of the ancient Greeks, Stephan Palmié embarks on a series of unusual comparative investigations of...
    Paperback
    $5699
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
    Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...
    Paperback
    $1000
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Screwtape Letters
    A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative unfolds as a series of captivating letters penned by Screwtape, a senior devil in the Infernal Civil Service, to his eager but inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • NIV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Pink, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Bibles make great gifts! This leather-look NIV Gift and Award Bible is economically priced so you can share the life-changing Word of God with more people. Perfect for special events or acts of kindness, this gift Bible is arranged in two columns with the words of Jesus in red, along with a presentation page for gift-giving, maps, and other Bible...
    Paperback
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Mere Christianity
    Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is a profound literary work that offers a compelling and articulate exploration of the Christian faith. This timeless classic emerged from a series of radio talks given by Lewis during the dark days of World War II, where he aimed to demystify the essence of Christianity and present a logical case for its core...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover
    The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Scriptures through the lens of ancient Christian traditions. This comprehensive study Bible represents a groundbreaking effort to present the Bible of the early church to the modern world, reflecting the rich heritage and profound spiritual wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, which is the...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    The Prosperous Heart
    Cameron is a veteran of the modern self-care movement — THE NEW YORK TIMES Discover the true meaning of prosperity and abundance in this uplifting and beneficial guide — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Create a sense of security and wealth in your life by applying Julia Cameron's bestselling Artist's Way techniques to the topic of prosperity. How do we keep a roof...
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.