Edward B. Tylor, 'Primitive Culture', vols 1–2 (Estes & Lauriat, 1874)

This is a complete two-volume set of Edward Burnett Tylor's seminal work, 'Primitive Culture'. Tylor is widely considered the founder of cultural anthropology, and this text is famous for introducing the concept of 'animism' into common anthropological usage. While the original UK edition was published in 1871, this is the scarce 1874 First American Edition, published by Estes & Lauriat in Boston. It retains the text of the second English edition. It is a foundational text for any collection of anthropology, sociology, or religion. Bindings: Original brown cloth boards are intact. There is visible wear and chipping to the head and tail of the spines on both volumes. Corners are bumped and worn. Spines: Gold gilt lettering is legible. Pages: Clean with some age-toning. No foxing. Hinges: Hinges are starting to crack but boards are still attached. Notes: Previous owner's name and some notes on endsheets, but otherwise clean.