General Theory of Magic

Marcel Mauss (1872 - 1950) French anthropologist and sociologist, author of The Gift, and, with Emile Durkheim, Primitive Classification.

• Foreword by Dr D. F. Pocock, Prologue, 1 Sources and Historical Background, 2 A Definition of Magic, 3 The Elements of Magic, 1 The Magician, 2 The Actions, 3 Representations, 4 General Observations, 4 An Analysis and Explanation of Magic, 1 Belief, 2 An Analysis of Ideological Explanations Concerning the Effectiveness of Ritual, 3 Mana, 4 Collective States and Collective Forces, 5 Conclusion, Index

'It is enough to recall that Mauss' influence is not limited to ethnographers, none of whom could claim to have escaped it, but extends also to linguists, psychologists, historians or religion and orientalists.' - Claude Lévi-Strauss'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.' - Sir E.E. Evans-Pritchard