The book of the famous English ethnographer E. Tylor (1832-1917) is devoted to the origin and development of religion. His theory sees animism (belief in souls and spirits) as the embryo from which all religions evolved. Despite the fact that today many theories of the scientist are rejected by researchers, his book, containing huge factual material, continues to serve as an important source for studying the problem of the origin of religion. Designed for a wide range of readers.