The Beginnings of Religion: An Introductory and Scientific Study

by E.O. James

In this book, first published in 1948, an attempt has been made to provide an intelligible introduction to a somewhat complex aspect of scientific inquiry. And secondly, to construct a background of primitive ritual and belief against which the more developed religions can be placed. This book is a valuable, early attempt at explaining the beginnings of religion from a modern scientific viewpoint."

159 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 1973

About the author

The Reverend Professor Edwin Oliver James (1888 – 1972) was an anthropologist in the field of comparative religion. He was Professor Emeritus of the History and Philosophy of Religion in the University of London, Fellow of University College London and Fellow of King's College London. During his long career he had been Professor of History and Philosophy of Religion at the University of Leeds, Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and Wilde Lecturer at the University of Oxford.

E.O. James received his education at Exeter College, Oxford and at University College London, where he studied under the famous egyptologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie.