The Anthropology of Magic

by Susan Greenwood

Paperback, 2009

Status

Available

Call number

306.4

Collection

Publication

Routledge (2010), Edition: 1, 172 pages

Description

"Magic is arguably the least understood subject in anthropology today. Exotic and fascinating, it offers us a glimpse into another world but it also threatens to undermine the foundations of anthropology due to its supposed irrational and non-scientific nature. Magic has thus often been 'explained away' by social or psychological reduction. The Anthropology of Magic redresses the balance and brings magic, as an aspect of consciousness, into focus through the use of classic texts and cutting-edge research. Suitable for student and scholar alike, The Anthropology of Magic updates a classical anthropological debate concerning the nature of human experience. A key theme is that human beings everywhere have the potential for magical consciousness. Taking a new approach to some perennial topics in anthropology--such as shamanism, mythology, witchcraft, and healing--the book raises crucial theoretical and methodological issues to provide the reader with an engaging and critical understanding of the dynamics of magic"--Provided by publisher.… (more)

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

160 p.; 9.21 inches

ISBN

1845206711 / 9781845206710

Local notes

MJW

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