Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion. Part 4. Adonis Attis Osiris. Volume 1 by James Frazer is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the mythical figures Adonis, Attis, and Osiris. Frazer delves deep into the origins and significance of these deities in ancient religions, examining their roles in rituals, symbolism, and beliefs.

The book is meticulously researched and presents a wealth of information on the cults of Adonis, Attis, and Osiris, drawing from a wide range of sources from different cultures and time periods. Frazer’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible to readers without sacrificing depth or detail.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect the myths of Adonis, Attis, and Osiris to larger themes in religion and society, such as sacrifice, resurrection, and the cycle of life and death. Frazer’s analysis is insightful and thought-provoking, shedding new light on the significance of these mythical figures in the human experience.

Overall, Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion. Part 4. Adonis Attis Osiris. Volume 1 is a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, religion, or the history of ideas. Frazer’s scholarship is impressive, and his exploration of these ancient myths is both enlightening and enriching. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between magic, religion, and culture.

Book Description:
The fifth volume and the first of two in the fourth part of Frazer's seminal work on the evolution of belief deals with the semi mythological legends of the Mediterranean and the eastern civilizations. Many analogies are traced between the worship of Osiris and the worship of the dead, especially of dead kings. The conclusion to which these analogies appear to the point is that under the mythical pall of the glorified Osiris, the god who died and rose again from the dead, there once lay the body of a dead man. The traditions of sacred men and women, ritual sacrifice and burning of gods, the influence of volcanoes upon religion, and the festivals of death and resurrection feature heavily. - Summary by Leon Harvey