A General Theory of Magic

Marcel Mauss

$200

Hardback

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French

Routledge
18 May 2001

Philosophy; Religion: general; Eclectic & esoteric religions & belief systems; Magic, alchemy & hermetic thought; Anthropology

Series: Routledge Classics

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.

By: Marcel Mauss
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 14mm
Weight: 294g
ISBN: 9780415255509
ISBN 10: 0415255503
Series: Routledge Classics
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 18 May 2001
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Foreword by Dr D. F. Pocock, Prologue, 1 Sources and Historical Background, 2 A Definition of Magic, 3 The Elements of Magic, 1 The Magician, 2 The Actions, 3 Representations, 4 General Observations, 4 An Analysis and Explanation of Magic, 1 Belief, 2 An Analysis of Ideological Explanations Concerning the Effectiveness of Ritual, 3 Mana, 4 Collective States and Collective Forces, 5 Conclusion, Index

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

Reviews for A General Theory of Magic

'It is enough to recall that Mauss' influence is not limited to ethnographers, none of whom could claim to have escaped it, but extends also to linguists, psychologists, historians or religion and orientalists.' - Claude Lévi-Strauss 'Marcel Mauss, Emile Durkheim's nephew and most distinguished pupil, was a man of unusual ability and learning, and also of integrity and strong conviction. After Durkheim's death he was the leading figure in French sociology.' - Sir E.E. Evans-Pritchard 'It is enough to recall that Mauss' influence is not limited to ethnographers, none of whom could claim to have escaped it, but extends also to linguists, psychologists, historians or religion and orientalists.' - Claude Lévi-Strauss