The Golden Bough

London: Macmillan and Co, Limited, 1951-1963. Cloth. Very Good/Very Good. 9" by 6". None. A complete reprinted set of the third and most important edition of this highly influential work of comparative religion and anthropology, complete in the original scarce unclipped dust wrappers and with the supplementary volume. A reprinted edition of the third edition, first published between 1906 and 1915. This set includes Part V (vol 1) and Part VI from the 1951 reprint of the third edition, part I (vol 2), II, III, IV, V (vol 2), VII (vol 1 and 2), and VIII from the 1955 reprint of the third edition, and part 1(vol 1) and the supplementary volume from the 1963 reprint of the third edition. Mixed editions as is common with this work. Any complete run of the third edition is vanishingly scarce.In the original unclipped dust wrappers. The Golden Bough is an extremely important and influential comparative study of mythology and religion, written by Scottish anthropologist Sir James George Frazer. Frazer was a key figure in the development of modern studies of mythology and comparative religion. Many of his key beliefs centred around the concept of human beings progressing through three stages; primitive magic; religion; and finally science. The Golden Bough is Frazer's Magnum Opus and was first published in two volumes in 1890, three volumes in 1900 and twelve volumes between 1906 and 1915. The Golden Bough, despite being an extremely detailed and wide-ranging work of comparative religion was published with the intention of appealing to all audiences, including those outside of academia. The work addresses the shared elements of religious beliefs and scientific thought, with reference to the variety of symbolism and practices indicative of cultural development. Upon publication, the work was met with immediate success and went through many editions in the author's lifetime. This particular set also comes with the supplementary volume entitled 'Aftermath: A Supplement to The Golden Bough' which adds supplementary evidence from recent literature as well as new scientific research which Frazer believed to be useful to his argument.A scarce complete set of these important works, complete in the original dust wrappers. In the original cloth bindings in the original unclipped dust wrappers. Externally generally smart with damp staining to boards resulting in loss to the patina. Offsetting to endpapers. Dust wrappers are smart with creasing and the occasional closed tear to the extremities. Scattered spotting and handling mark to the wraps as is common with this work. Age toning, heavier to the supplementary volume. Internally firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with the odd spot, heavier to the fore edge. Very Good