The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life

The classic work on the sociology of religion by one of the founders of the modern social science of sociology--now presented in a quality centennial edition. Emile Durkheim examines religion as a social phenomenon, across time and geographic boundaries. Some of the most basic forms of social organization are analyzed, along with their religious beliefs and practices, to determine what is fundamental and shared by societies about religion and faith. 

Part of the 'Classics of the Social Sciences' Series from Quid Pro Books: quality ebook formatting features fully-linked footnotes, active table of contents, and the original Index. The ebook includes embedded page numbers from the standard print editions, for continuity of citations and syllabi across digital and print platforms--a very useful feature for research, classwork, and group assignments. Most of all, it's proofread with care and attention to detail, to promote accuracy and remain faithful to the original Swain translation. These features are unlike any digital version available before--ebook or online--at any price. Without linked notes, other versions are unnavigable, sporting hundreds of footnote "1." And we sincerely doubt that Durkheim originally wrote (as others present it, even in preview) that "all religions can be compared to each other, and since all are specie s of the same ^ass." The author and this important classic of sociology deserve better.

By examining some of the most basic forms of religion, particularly in aboriginal Australia and native America, and using a creative sociological and anthropological approach, Durkheim discovered the core of what separates religion from ritual, mysticism, science, and mere magic--what makes the soul more than a spirit. He lay bare the notion that the "primitive" rite, or any religion really, is mainly about fear. This work is simply part of the canon of its field, finally in a readable digital format. It includes notes of the series editor, Steven Alan Childress, Ph.D., J.D., a professor at Tulane University, to explain the use of its functional footnotes, extensive references, and links. It is an unabridged edition.

Also in the Series are modern republications, including quality ebook editions, of Neil Smelser's THEORY OF COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR and SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY, and Philip Selznick's TVA AND THE GRASS ROOTS and LEADERSHIP IN ADMINISTRATION. They are introduced and explained by leading contemporary scholars in the field.