Religion In Primitive Society

by Edward Norbeck

 Religion in Primitive Society   is a foundational work in the anthropology of religion, offering a lucid and comparative examination of spiritual belief systems among non-literate and pre-industrial cultures. Edward Norbeck explores how early societies conceived of the supernatural, organized rituals, and used religion as a framework for interpreting the natural and social world. Drawing on extensive ethnographic sources and his own fieldwork, Norbeck examines diverse phenomena—animism, ancestor worship, magic, taboo, shamanism, and myth-making—within societies ranging from the Pacific Islands to Central Africa. Rather than reducing religion to superstition, Norbeck treats it as a dynamic and adaptive force that helps communities make sense of uncertainty, establish social cohesion, and define moral codes. His analysis is both anthropological and humanistic, acknowledging the richness and complexity of belief systems that have too often been dismissed. Religion in Primitive Society is essential reading for students of anthropology, comparative religion, and anyone seeking to understand the roots of human spirituality. 

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025