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"The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead, Volume 1" by James George Frazer is the first volume of a comprehensive study that explores humanity's ancient and universal belief in the afterlife and how this belief has influenced religious practices, particularly the worship of the dead. In this work, Frazer examines a wide range of cultures and civilizations to understand how the concept of immortality has shaped societies, focusing on indigenous and ancient peoples.Frazer’s approach is comparative, looking at how various cultures—such as those in Africa, Polynesia, and Australia—perceive the soul’s journey after death. He investigates practices related to ancestor worship, burial customs, and the rituals meant to ensure the well-being of the deceased in the afterlife. Throughout the volume, Frazer highlights how these practices are tied to the belief that the spirits of the dead can influence the living, whether through blessings or curses, thus necessitating proper veneration and rituals.