A general, comparative review of the religions of traditional societies-- of their character and the variations among them.

Addresses the question: What does religion do for people?

Features examples drawn from actual field work.

Uses a jargon-free narrative that draws students into the material.

Summarizes many of the standard theoretical debates and arguments.

Thoroughly summarizes studies of religion across the "traditional" world

Employs a cross-cultural and correlational approach.

1. Introduction.

2. Mystical Power and Its Sources.

3. Animals and Plants in Religion.

4. Supernatural Beings.

5. Communication with the Supernatural.

6. Wizardry.

7. Illness and Healing.

8. Rites of Passage, and Relation Between the Sexes.

9. Death and the Afterlife.

10. Festivals.

11. Religion in Societies Undergoing Rapid Change.

12. What Traditional Religions Do for People.

References.