This volume deals with the myths and religious practices of pre-Columbian America in their relation to habits of life and the growth of civilization. The question is frankly faced whether these manifestations of ancient culture were of independent origin or had been imported from the Old World. Sample contents: glamor of gold; Indian elephant in American art; Semites, Celts and Norsemen in America; water burials and the ship of death; cremation and other burial customs; goddesses of love and food; and much more. Illustrated.