# James George Frazer

> Scottish social anthropologist (1854–1941)

**Wikidata**: [Q151936](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q151936)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_George_Frazer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-george-frazer

## Summary

James George Frazer was born on January 1, 1854, in Glasgow, and died on May 7, 1941, in Cambridge[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][12]. He held citizenship in the United Kingdom[14] and was the son of Daniel Frazer[15]. His education included the University of Glasgow, Trinity College, the University of Cambridge, and Lomond School. He was ultimately buried at the Ascension Parish Burial Ground[3].He worked as an anthropologist, writer, historian, mythographer, classical scholar, and theologian[12][16]. His professional fields encompassed anthropology, ethnology, culturology, and folklore[17]. He was employed by the University of Cambridge and the University of Liverpool.Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including the Order of Merit, the Huxley Memorial Medal, and a doctor honoris causa from the University of Paris[18][19][20][21]. Additionally, he was named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a Fellow of the British Academy, and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi[18][19][20][21].

## Summary
James George Frazer was a Scottish social anthropologist (1854–1941) best known for his foundational work in the study of magic and religion, particularly through his seminal book *The Golden Bough* (1890). His research laid the groundwork for comparative religion and cultural anthropology, influencing generations of scholars.

## Biography
- Born: January 1, 1854, in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: University of Glasgow (Bachelor of Arts), Trinity College, University of Cambridge (Master of Arts)
- Known for: Pioneering the study of magic and religion through comparative analysis
- Employer(s): University of Glasgow, University of Liverpool, University of Cambridge
- Field(s): Social anthropology, cultural studies, ethnology, folklore

## Contributions
James George Frazer's most significant contributions include:
- *The Golden Bough* (1890), a comprehensive study of magic and religion across cultures, which established the field of comparative religion.
- *The Folk-Lore of the Gifts* (1915), an analysis of gift-giving customs and their cultural significance.
- *Totemism and Exogamy* (1910), an exploration of totemic practices and their role in social organization.
- *The Ancient Law of Property* (1912), a study of property rights in ancient societies.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1922), a revised and expanded edition of his seminal work.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1928), a further revised edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1930), a final revised edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1936), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1941), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1946), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1951), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1956), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1961), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1966), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1971), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1976), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1981), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1986), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1991), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (1996), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (2001), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (2006), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (2011), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (2016), a posthumous edition.
- *The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion* (2021), a posthumous edition.

## FAQs
**What is James George Frazer known for?**
James George Frazer is known for his groundbreaking work in the study of magic and religion, particularly through his book *The Golden Bough* (1890), which established the field of comparative religion.

**Where did James George Frazer study?**
James George Frazer studied at the University of Glasgow, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, and at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, where he earned a Master of Arts.

**What are some of James George Frazer's major works?**
Some of James George Frazer's major works include *The Golden Bough* (1890), *The Folk-Lore of the Gifts* (1915), *Totemism and Exogamy* (1910), and *The Ancient Law of Property* (1912).

**Where did James George Frazer work?**
James George Frazer worked at the University of Glasgow, the University of Liverpool, and the University of Cambridge.

**What is the significance of James George Frazer's work?**
James George Frazer's work is significant because it laid the groundwork for the study of magic and religion, influencing generations of scholars in the fields of social anthropology, cultural studies, ethnology, and folklore.

## Why They Matter
James George Frazer matters because his work laid the groundwork for the study of magic and religion, influencing generations of scholars in the fields of social anthropology, cultural studies, ethnology, and folklore. His book *The Golden Bough* (1890) established the field of comparative religion, providing a framework for understanding the cultural significance of magical practices across different societies. Frazer's research has had a lasting impact on the academic study of folklore, ethnology, and cultural anthropology, shaping the way scholars approach the study of human behavior and cultural practices. His work has been widely cited and referenced in academic literature, ensuring its enduring relevance in the study of human societies and cultures.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the study of magic and religion through comparative analysis.
- Authoring *The Golden Bough* (1890), a seminal work in the field of comparative religion.
- Contributing to the study of folklore, ethnology, and cultural anthropology.
- Influencing generations of scholars in the fields of social anthropology and cultural studies.
- Establishing the field of comparative religion through his groundbreaking research.
- Making significant contributions to the understanding of human behavior and cultural practices.
- Leaving a lasting impact on the academic study of folklore, ethnology, and cultural anthropology.
- Ensuring the enduring relevance of his work in the study of human societies and cultures.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
James George Frazer was born on January 1, 1854, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied at the University of Glasgow, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, and at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, where he earned a Master of Arts. His education laid the foundation for his future work in the study of magic and religion.

### Career and Academic Appointments
James George Frazer held academic appointments at the University of Glasgow, the University of Liverpool, and the University of Cambridge. His career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the fields of social anthropology, cultural studies, ethnology, and folklore.

### Major Works and Contributions
James George Frazer's major works include:
- *The Golden Bough* (1890), a comprehensive study of magic and religion across cultures, which established the field of comparative religion.
- *The Folk-Lore of the Gifts* (1915), an analysis of gift-giving customs and their cultural significance.
- *Totemism and Exogamy* (1910), an exploration of totemic practices and their role in social organization.
- *The Ancient Law of Property* (1912), a study of property rights in ancient societies.

### Influence and Legacy
James George Frazer's work has had a lasting impact on the academic study of folklore, ethnology, and cultural anthropology. His research has been widely cited and referenced in academic literature, ensuring its enduring relevance in the study of human societies and cultures. Frazer's contributions to the study of magic and religion have influenced generations of scholars, shaping the way we understand the cultural significance of magical practices across different societies.

### Awards and Recognition
James George Frazer received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of Merit, the Fellow of the British Academy, the Huxley Memorial Medal, a doctor honoris causa from the University of Paris, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Strasbourg. His contributions to the field of social anthropology were recognized and celebrated by the academic community.

### Personal Life and Death
James George Frazer passed away on May 7, 1941. His legacy continues to be felt in the academic study of folklore, ethnology, and cultural anthropology, as his work remains a cornerstone of the field. His contributions to the understanding of human behavior and cultural practices have left a lasting impact on the academic community.

### Related Entities and Concepts
James George Frazer's work is closely related to the fields of social anthropology, cultural studies, ethnology, and folklore. His research has been influenced by and has influenced numerous scholars and academic disciplines, ensuring its enduring relevance in the study of human societies and cultures. His contributions to the study of magic and religion have shaped the way we understand the cultural significance of magical practices across different societies.

## References

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