Primitive Secret Societies. A Study in Early Politics and Religion.
New York: The MacMillan Company, 1908. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. xiv + 228pp. Original brown cloth lettered in gilt on spine. Index. The first edition of this study of initiation and other secret rituals and ceremonies from tribal cultures in Australia, Polynesia, Africa and North America, their importance within the tribe, and their decline. Includes information on shamanistic, sexual, and rite of passage ceremonies and an index to Native Terms. One of many sociological & historical studies written by Hutton Webster (1875-1955) through his career, though he may be best known as the author of "Magic: A Sociological Study". Very light shelf wear and chafing to points and edges, page edges darkened - else a tight, bright and clean VG+ copy (no dust jacket). Item #64065
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