From the Paleolithic to the Axial Age

Bellah's Religion in Human Evolution is strong piece of work...

Robert N. Bellah has assembled an imposing cathedral of a book, drawing, brick by brick, from cosmology, paleontology, archeology, biology, neurology, anthropology, mythology, philosophy, theology, politics, and literature to address the role of religion in human history.  I found it very challenging to read and remain engaged with - it took me five months to complete its 606 pages - but I think it will sink in and become part of my thinking on the issues examined.  Others were less stunned when they finished reading this masterwork have written elegantly about it.  

Whew!