The Elementary Forms of Religious Life

This classic work by Emile Durkheim explores the origins of human social identity by studying totemism among the Aborigines of Australia. Durkheim believes that religion embodies the beliefs that shape our moral universe and investigates its essential and permanent aspect of humanity. The Elementary Forms of Religious Life has been hailed by various scholars and experts in sociology, anthropology, ethnography, philosophy, and theology. This abridged edition provides readers with a captivating introduction to Durkheim's ideas that continue to intrigue generations about the origins, nature, and society of religion.