Heathens: Primitive Man and His Religions

The Heathens, originally published in 1948, is a description of many of the world’s religions by an anthropologist who had a knack for putting complex concepts in popular terms. Although, to our late 20th century sensibilities, the language may sound demeaning and/or patronizing, in fact, once the reader realizes the book’s historical setting, it is clear that the author is a gifted communicator and a skillful popularizer. His descriptions were so respected that in 1962 the book was reprinted by The American Museum of Natural History Library for inclusion in its offerings.