The chapters in this book address questions about Edward Burnett Tylor's work on culture and religion. Tylor's work is summarized briefly in most if not all introductions to the study of religion, yet there has been very little research focused on his work. Considered by many to be the founding father of social anthropology, he believed that there was a functional basis for the development of society and religion, which he considered to be universal.

This is the first book-length treatment of Tylor's work. Questions addressed include his theory of the origins of religion, the...