The Golden Bough: Abridged Edition (Twentieth-Century Classics)

A monumental study of comparative folklore and religion, The Golden Bough was originally published in two volumes in 1890, grew to 12 volumes for the third edition in 1915, then abridged by the author into this one-volume edition in 1922. Drawing on the beliefs and customs of ancient European civilizations and primitive cultures throughout the world, James Frazer's work continues to be an important reference.