In 'The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead' by James George Frazer, the renowned anthropologist explores the universal belief in an afterlife and the rituals associated with honoring deceased ancestors. Written in a scholarly and comprehensive style, Frazer delves into various cultures, traditions, and historical practices to examine the continuity and evolution of beliefs surrounding death. Drawing on a wide range of ethnographic data, this book provides a profound insight into the human psyche and the ways in which different societies navigate the concept of mortality. Frazer's meticulous research and comparative analysis offer valuable perspectives on the significance of ancestor worship in shaping cultural identities and religious practices. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Frazer sheds light on the complexities of human spirituality and the enduring relevance of ancestral veneration in contemporary societies. Readers interested in anthropology, religious studies, and the history of belief systems will find this book enlightening and thought-provoking.

This 1913 volume discusses several religions whereby believers worship the dead both in hopes that the dead will bless their futures and in hopes that the dead will rise up to bless the living. This concept of the undead or dead rising again is present in some capacity in many religions, even mainstream ones like Christianity (i.e. the resurrection). This volume highlights those beliefs among the Aborigines in Australia, New Guinea and Melanesia.