Dr. Lowrie first describes the beliefs, codes, and practices of a variety of primitive religions. He then gives a critical survey of their beliefs including their psychological and historical aspects. He presents a wealth of strange and fascinating information—details like the self-mutilation of devotees, extraordinary human sacrifices perpetrated out of fear of sorcery, and naive superstitions.

Here is a scientific masterpiece for both layman and student, complete and unabridged—sanctioned by frequent quotation in anthropological handbooks and anthologies.