Primitive Marriage: An Inquiry Into the Origin of the Form of Capture in Marriage Ceremonies (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

John F. M'lennan

9780331863154: Primitive Marriage: An Inquiry Into the Origin of the Form of Capture in Marriage Ceremonies (Classic Reprint)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0331863154 ISBN 13: 9780331863154

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

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Uncover the origins of marriage rituals through a sweeping look at ancient social life

In this scholarly examination, the author traces how early human groups formed bonds around family, kinship, and property. The study argues that rules about marriage and the transfer of wives arose from practical needs in primitive societies, and that these practices echo across distant cultures. By comparing exogamy, endogamy, and kinship systems, the work reveals how the “form of capture” in marriage ceremonies fits into a broader pattern of social organization.

Framing its inquiry around how early communities organized themselves, the book connects symbolic acts to real-world pressures—such as balance between the sexes, inheritance, and group cohesion. It uses cross-cultural examples to illustrate how simple beginnings evolved into complex customs, and why certain marriage practices persisted even as societies changed. The result is a detailed, accessible account of how some of the oldest human institutions took shape.

Understand the primitive roots of marriage symbolism and social structure
See how kinship through mothers or fathers influenced relationships and succession
Explore how exogamy and endogamy emerged and transformed communities
Learn how polyandry and other arrangements arose from practical needs in early groups

Ideal for readers curious about anthropology, social history, and the deep history behind marriage rites across cultures.
This edition presents the material in a clear, readable format suitable for general readers and students alike, offering a grounded view of how our earliest social arrangements continue to inform modern life.

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