THE GOLDEN BOUGH.
The Golden Bough : a Study in Magic and Religion. By J. G. Frazer, D.C.L., LL.D. Second Edition in 3 vols. (Macmillan and Co. 36s. net.)—We need scarcely do more than mention to our readers the fact of the second edition of Mr. Frazer's noted work dealing with the magic rites connected with the history of religions. The work was suggested to Mr. Frazer by a visit to the romantic Lake of Nemi, where sacrifice was made by the Roman priest who had slain the slayer of his predecessor, and who himself was liable to be slain in his turn. Macaulay in one of the "Lays" has expressed the story in his ringing verse. How came this to be ? was the question which Mr. Frazer put to himself, and the work before us is the answer to the problem. It need not be said that Mr. Frazer passes beyond the rites of the Arician priesthood, and surveys a wide field of magic, super- stition, rites, and sacrifices. In the course that thought has hitherto run, says Mr. Frazer, we trace the mingled threads of magic, science, and religion, meaning by science the simple truths drawn from observation of Nature. At first there were but the threads of science and magic, but deeper and deeper was woven into the texture of thought the thread of religion. To show forth this result an immense survey is made of human rites and sacrifice, the views of Robertson Smith on sacrifice being mainly held by the author. To criticise so formidable a work is almost impossible. We must leave it with the reader, contenting ourselves by saying that in its new edition, which is both enlarged and carefully revised, this learned work is an honour to English scholarship.
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