The Religion of the Primitives : Alexander Le Roy , 1922 [ African Religion and Magic ]

Description

First English edition of a detailed if dated study of African religion and magic written by French Catholic missionary Alexandre Le Roy.

 

Le Roy, Alexandre. Thompson, Newton, trans. The Religion of the Primitives. New York : The Macmillan Company. 1922. First English Edition.

 

Translated from the French La Religion Des Primitifs (1909) by Catholic Missionary Alexander Le Roy , reflecting on the African religious practices and beliefs in magic he witnessed in Somaliland, Mozambique, and Gabon. Understandably limited by its author’s biases and profession it offers intriguing details of African spiritual life and secret societies including the uses of fetishes, sacrifices, and nganga. Asking the question of where one draws the line between magic , superstition, and formal religion, the text examines the nature of spirits, offerings, and communion among various tribal groups. In keeping with Le Roy’s concerns, sections are dedicated to the consideration of native morality in Africa as well as descriptions of types of worship and various indigenous beliefs.

 

8vo, 334pp, red cloth boards with minor soiling to both faces along edges. Corners bumped. Some white spots to back board. Pencil underlines on table of contents and on Latin printer’s note. Pages clean. Good condition.

 

If you liked this book, you might also like Voodoo-Eros or this study of the native religions of Patagonia from the library of William J Sinclair.