The noted classical scholar, C. M. Bowra, studies the seed-roots of literature--how it began in songs reflecting the lives and superstitions of primitive peoples. with 24 pages of illustrations and photographs. The author uses anecdotes and information about modern hunter-gatherer cultures ranging from Eskimos to the Andamanese to Australian aborigines as a way of attempting to trace the roots and development of song. He weaves his theory with samples of song lyrics and his analysis thereof, and explains how day-to-day life in such a culture affects the role and subject material in songs. The book is a product of its time; while it's not as heavily Euro-centric as some older (or even contemporary) anthropological texts, there's still a subtle bias in the writing. Additionally, Bowra makes some assumptions about hunter-gatherer cultures across the board, though he does do a good job of trying to back his theories up with examples. Anyone interested in paleolithic cultures, particularly paleopagan religions or music, may want to check this out. Those experimenting with shamanic techniques may also find material of interest here, particularly if song is a part of their practice. For example, Bowra describes the way the pygmy tribesmen kill an elephant-after shooting it with poisoned arrows
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