Writing and Difference

First written by Marcel Mauss and Henri Humbert in 1902, A General Theory of Magic gained a wide new readership when republished by Mauss in 1950. As a study of magic in'primitive'societies and its survival today in our thoughts and social actions, it represents what Claude Lévi-Strauss called, in an introduction to that edition, the astonishing modernity of the mind of one of the century's greatest thinkers. The book offers a fascinating snapshot of magic throughout various cultures as well as deep sociological and religious insights still very much relevant today. At a period when art, magic and science appear to be crossing paths once again, A General Theory of Magic presents itself as a classic for our times. First Written By Marcel Mauss And Henri Humbert In 1902, A General Theory Of Magic Gained A Wide New Readership When Republished By Mauss In 1950. As A Study Of Magic In 'primitive' Societies And Its Survival Today In Our Thoughts And Social Actions, It Represents What Claude Le;vi-strauss Called, In An Introduction To That Edition, The Astonishing Modernity Of The Mind Of One Of The Century's Greatest Thinkers. The Book Offers A Fascinating Snapshot Of Magic Throughout Various Cultures As Well As Deep Sociological And Religious Insights Still Very Much Relevant Today. At A Period When Art, Magic And Science Appear To Be Crossing Paths Once Again, A General Theory Of Magic Presents Itself As A Classic For Our Times.--back Cover. 1. Sources And Historical Background --- 2. A Definition Of Magic --- 3. The Elements Of Magic --- 4. An Analysis And Explanation Of Magic --- Conclusion. Marcel Mauss ; Translated By Robert Brain ; Foreword By D.f. Pocock. Originally Published: London : Routledge And K. Paul, 1972. Includes Index. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.

First written by Marcel Mauss and Henri Humbert in 1902, A General Theory of Magic gained a wide new readership when republished by Mauss in 1950. As a study of magic in 'primitive' societies and its survival today in our thoughts and social actions, it represents what Claude Lévi-Strauss called, in an introduction to that edition, the astonishing modernity of the mind of one of the century's greatest thinkers. The book offers a fascinating snapshot of magic throughout various cultures as well as deep sociological and religious insights still very much relevant today. At a period when art, magic and science appear to be crossing paths once again, A General Theory of Magic presents itself as a classic for our times.

E.E. Evans-Pritchard

Marcel Mauss, Emile Durkheim's nephew and most distinguished pupil, was a man of unusual ability and learning, and also of integrity and strong conviction. After Durkheim's death he was the leading figure in French sociology.

"First written by Marcel Mauss and Henri Humbert in 1902, A General Theory of Magic gained a wide new readership when republished by Mauss in 1950. As a study of magic in 'primitive' societies and its survival today in our thoughts and social actions, it represents what Claude Lévi-Strauss called, in an introduction to that edition, the astonishing modernity of the mind of one of the century's greatest thinkers. The book offers a fascinating snapshot of magic throughout various cultures as well as deep sociological and religious insights still very much relevant today. At a period when art, magic and science appear to be crossing paths once again, A General Theory of Magic presents itself as a classic for our times."--Back cover First written by Marcel Mauss and Henri Humbert in 1902, "A General Theory of Magic" gained a wide new readership when republished by Mauss in 1950. As a study of magic in "primitive" societies and its survival today in our thoughts and social actions, it represents what Claude Levi-Strauss called, in an introduction to that edition, the astonishing modernity of the mind of one of the century's greatest thinkers. This work offers a snapshot of magic throughout various cultures as well as deep sociological and religious insights still very much relevant today. At a period when art, magic and science appear to be crossing paths once again, A General Theory of Magic presents itself as a classic for our times Mauss revolutionised our understanding of some of the basic structures of society. By identifying the complex web of exchange & obligation involved in the act of giving, he called into question many of our social conventions & economic systems Classic work of anthropology, on the social function of gift exchange. First published in French in 1950. First translated into English 1954. Has inspired many subsequent studies of gift-giving. When First Published, The Giftserved As Nothing Less Than An Onslaught On Contemporary Political Theory. This Edition Confirms The Continuing Relevance Of Mauss's Highly Original Perspective. During this research into the extension of contractual gifts, it seemed for a long time as if potlatch proper did not exist in Polynesia. Since its first publication in England in 1954, Essai sur le don has been much admired and hailed among anthropology texts as a classic. First published in 1990. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.