"Karen Fields has given us a splendid new translation of the greatest work of sociology ever written, one we will not be embarrassed to assign to our students. In addition she has written a brilliant and profound introduction. The publication of this translation is an occasion for general celebration, for a veritable 'collective effervescence.'
-- Robert N. Bellah Co-author of Habits of the Heart, and editor of Emile Durkheim on Morality and Society
"This superb new translation finally allows non-French speaking American readers fully to appreciate...

Synopsis coming soon.......

Why does sacrifice, more than any other major religious institution, depend on gender dichotomy? Why do so many societies oppose sacrifice to childbirth, and why are childbearing women so commonly excluded from sacrificial practices? In this feminist study of relations between sacrifice, gender, and social organization, Nancy Jay reveals sacrifice as a remedy for having been born of woman, and hence uniquely suited to establishing certain and enduring paternity. Drawing on examples of ancient and modern societies, Jay synthesizes sociology of religion, ethnography, biblical scholarship,...

Human Resources Director Ellen Sparks is very surprised to find a dead body at the place where she works. Although not a detective by trade, when her boss emerges as the number one suspect she decides to use all of her powers of deduction to clear his name.

The nice lady who works in Human Resources isn't supposed to be chasing killers. After the death of her mother, Ellen Sparks discovers that she has a sister she never knew existed. However, her happiness is short-lived. Before she can get to know her new sibling, her sister is murdered. Now, Ellen must get out from behind her desk and unravel the mystery of who her sister was, how she lived, and who was responsible for her death.