“On the whole Dr Zook has presented a clear and straightforward account of the company’s activities and relationships.”
+ − Am Hist R 25:541 Ap ’20 550w + − J Pol Econ 28:523 Je ’20 400w
ZWEMER, SAMUEL MARINUS. Influence of animism on Islam; an account of popular superstitions. il *$2 Macmillan 297
20–8879
The object of the book is to show how animism, the superstitious belief in spirits, witches and demons, on which all pagan religions are founded, still controls Islam in its popular manifestations. Mohammedanism, as an outgrowth of paganism, Judaism and Christianity, is characterized as a religion of compromise, that has easily yielded to the pagan survivals in the countries over which it has spread its influence. That these superstitions are popular expressions that have nothing to do with the monotheism of Islam, does not make them less pernicious. The contents are: Islam and animism; Animism in the creed and the use of the rosary; Animistic elements in Moslem prayer; Hair, finger-nails and the hand; The ‘Aqiqa’ sacrifice; The familiar spirit or Qarina; Jinn; Pagan practices in connection with the pilgrimage; Magic and sorcery; Amulets, charms and knots; Tree, stone and serpent worship; The Zar: exorcism of demons. There are illustrations and a bibliography.
+ Booklist 17:139 Ja ’21 Lit D p102 S 4 ’20 1600w N Y Times 25:17 Jl 4 ’20 1000w
“His book is well worth reading.”
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[2]. This book is mentioned for the first time in this issue.