Ritual Sacrifice: A Concise History

by Brenda Ralph Lewis

The principle of sacrifice is as old as human life itself. Human, animal or inanimate offerings were an essential part of an effort to handle natural disasters, secure good luck or good health, ensure success in war or commerce, in fact to produce any outcome that could better life on Earth. This fascinating book provides the first general, fully illustrated overview of sacrificial practices around the world from prehistoric times to the present day.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Brenda Ralph Lewis is a writer with over 200 books on history and numerous magazine articles and television documentaries to her name. Her fascination with Scottish history and culture began early in her career and she has since returned to the subject at every opportunity. She regards [her] book on tartans as a labor of love.

Reviews

[farlimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, I found it on the British Museum bookstore by chance and I still think it is one of the best books on the topic. It does a very good job for giving the conceptual bases of sacrifice and its link to human nature and culture. I think it aims to give the reader a solid idea about the dynamics of the idea of redemption rather than giving information about different rites. The rites described serve as examples for the concepts different aspects and cultural interpretations.

[Valentín Serrano García · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just gives you a "taster", but that's all.
If you don't know anything about this matter, it is very useful indeed.
But have into account that it is very superficial. I think Nigel Davies' one is better.
Once read, dare to read Rene Girard.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Concise sums it up as you get a brief chapter about the ancient civilisations that had sacrificial rituals. The book looks at how these rituals were an accepted part of their society, how attitudes have changed and the cultures that still practice it today. Not the best book on the subject but it serves to give you a 'taster'.

[Clifton Toliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of the best books I have recently read on Ritual Sacrifice. The wealth of information it supplies on the subject of sacrifice, whether it be human or animal is staggering for such a short book. The illustrations that Lewis uses are worth the price of the book alone. This is a wonderful survey book that will be well worth you time to read if you are interested in this subject.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay enough read, I found the chapter on Northern Europe to be the most interesting.