Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions
"Certainly the most ambitious and comprehensive introduction to ritual studies yet attempted....[it] will serve well as a text on the study of religion and ought not be consigned to courses focusing exclusively or even mainly on ritual."--Religious Studies Review"A rich and detailed interdisciplinary analysis of the nature and functions of ritual.  Scholars in all fields will profit from this sound and probing study."--Religious Studies Review"A very impressive achievement....[Bell's] is one of the most interesting and important voices in the field of ritual studies today."--Worship"Unrivalled for its combination of clarity, scope, and originality.  ...a touchstone for any scholar who wishes to write seriously on ritual."--Patrick J. Nugent, Earlham College"...this is a readable introduction that will no doubt serve as a valuable teaching resource....the author has provided an impressive and valuable study, one that serves a widespread need in the broader field of religious studies, and for that reason is highly recommended."--Journal of Religion