Rites of Passage, Second Edition

The Rites of Passage, a masterwork by folklorist Arnold van Gennep, explores how the life of an individual in any society can be understood as a succession of stages. First published in 1909, it has been a staple of anthropological education for over a century. This new edition, with an introduction by David I. Kertzer, demonstrates how we can still use its critical tools to understand our own social, religious, and political worlds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Arnold van Gennep's renowned masterpiece, "The Rites of Passage," has been a cornerstone of anthropological education for over a century. Originally published in French in 1909 and later translated into English by the University of Chicago Press in 1960, this seminal work delves into the intricate tapestry of an individual's life within any society, revealing it as a seamless progression of stages: birth, puberty, marriage, parenthood, advancement to elderhood, and ultimately, death. Van Gennep's profound understanding of the ethnographic record allowed him to discern profound cross-cultural patterns in rituals of separation, transition, and incorporation. Through his meticulous analysis, he coined terms that would not only shape twentieth-century ritual theory but also permeate our everyday language. This revised edition of "The Rites of Passage" showcases the enduring relevance of van Gennep's critical insights, demonstrating how we can still utilize his tools to unravel the complexities of our social, religious, and political landscapes. Accompanied by an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning anthropologist and historian David I. Kertzer, this edition serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless wisdom contained within "The Rites of Passage," a century after its initial publication.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 137 x 203 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226629490
Edition number: 2 ed