– Outlook. 84: 534. O. 27, ’06. 70w.
Frazer, James G. Lectures on the early history of the kingship. *$2.75. Macmillan.
These lectures deal with the early history of kingship, and in sketching a general theory of its evolution show that “it was as sagacious magicians rather than valiant warriors that men first gained kingship.” (Outlook.) The first part of the discussion is introductory and illustrative of savage beliefs in general, the second part surveys the field of savage chieftainship and the third part deals with the classical evidence.
“The points here mentioned detract little from the charm of the work, and those who turn to these lectures for a foretaste of the new ‘Golden bough’ will find, as of old, skilful exposition of the argument, allied to elegance of diction and no little learning.”
+ + – Acad. 70: 6. Ja. 6, ’06. 1970w.
“He has made a notable contribution to the literature of primitive sociology.” George Elliott Howard.
+ + Am. Hist. R. 11: 864. Jl. ’06. 1030w.
“It is the effect of a good book not only to teach, but also to stimulate and suggest, and we think this the best and highest quality and one that will recommend these lectures to all intelligent readers, as well as to the learned.”
+ + Ath. 1905, 2: 757. D. 2. 1520w.