Marriage. By Edward Westermarck, Ph.D., Hon. LL.D., Aberdeen and Glasgow; Martin White Professor of Sociology,  University of London; Professor of Philosophy, Academy of Abo, Finland. Published by Jonathan Cape and Harrison Smith, New York, pp.  115 and Bibliography Note. Price $1.50.

This little book of only 115 pages by the noted Finnish authority on marriage, Professor Westermarck, is not to be considered a condensation of his three volume study of the same subject. It is rather a brief account of marriage in its various historical aspects, with very little comment thereon. It discusses such subjects as the origin, frequency and duration of marriage, endogamy, exogamy, monogamy, polygyny, polyandry and group-marriage, marriage by capture, consent and consideration, and marriage rites. Aside from the brief statement of actual practices there is little speculation or philosophizing by the author, but it is significant that this great student of this important subject in closing this little book makes the following statement:

“The existence of marriage does not depend on laws. If the main thesis in this little book is correct, if marriage is not an artificial creation but an institution based on deep-rooted sentiments, conjugal and parental, it will last as long as these sentiments last. And should they ever cease to exist, no laws in the world could save marriage from destruction.”

The book unfortunately lacks an index.

White