David Burnett‎'‎s comprehensive study covers African‎,‎ Indian‎,‎ Polynesian‎,‎ Australian‎,‎ Asian and South American forms of traditional religion‎,‎ together with Western expressions of these forms of faith‎.‎ The topics covered include‎:‎ Cosmology Gods and spirits Ghosts Ancestor worship Taboo and pollution Rites of passage Witchcraft‎,‎ sorcery and magic Methods of divination Spirit possession Shamans and healers This is a standard text for all those studying or expecting to work in areas of traditional and folk religion‎.‎