The Road to Life and Death. A Ritual Drama of the American Indians with a Foreword by Mark Van Doren. by Radin, Paul - 1945

1945. First Edition. New York, Pantheon Books Inc., 1945. 23.5cm x 16cm. xiv, (2) 345 (9) pages. Original hardcover in original dustjacket. In protective Mylar. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. The Bollingen Series V. Includes for Example: The Recording of the Medicine Rite/ Winnebago Civilization and the Medecine Rite/ The Ritual of Tears/ The Ritual of Purification/ The Ritual of Expectations/ The Ritual of Rewards/ The Ritual of Life, Death and Rebirth etc. The Road of Life and Death was the most sacred ritual of the Winnebago Indians of Wisconsin. In it the medicine-men attempted to find a refuge place for their fellow tribesmen, disoriented by their obsession with war and threatened with annihilation by the Europeans. Its teachings deal with the journey from this world to the next. Using an old belief in reincarnation, the Winnebago interpreted life as a mystical road from earth to heaven and back again ad infinitum. The requirements for success were humility, piety, a sense of proportion and love for one's fellowmen. This is not merely a document of utmost significance for a knowledge of the Indian mind, but it is beautiful literature as well. As a religious drama and pageant it deserves a place with the rituals of the great historical regions. Through a series of unforeseen coincidences related herein, Radin, the noted anthropologist, was able to secure this ritual drama in its entirety and preserve it for mankind.