The Golden Bough

By James George Frazer,

Book cover of The Golden Bough

Book description

Published originally in two volumes in 1890, this extraordinary study of primitive myth and magic, collected from sources around the world, led Frazer to identify parallel patterns of ritual, symbols and belief across many centuries and many different cultures.
Frazer's learning inspired a whole generation of ethnographers and comparative anthropologists,…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Golden Bough as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Being a fan of history, mythology, and folklore really drew me to this book. It delves into ancient magic, pagan practices, and other traditions that continue to this day. The book was thoroughly researched and opens a window into mankind’s beliefs and superstitions throughout the ages. The book explores the similarities between different cultures’ creation myths and ritualistic practices as well as Christianity’s appropriation of many pagan holidays, rituals, and locations. Anyone interested in mythology or folklore should definitely have this on their reading list.

Want books like The Golden Bough?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 92 books like The Golden Bough.

Browse books like The Golden Bough

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in witchcraft, occult, and Sigmund Freud?

11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about witchcraft, occult, and Sigmund Freud.

Witchcraft Explore 317 books about witchcraft
Occult Explore 85 books about occult
Sigmund Freud Explore 52 books about Sigmund Freud