A Letter to E. E. Evans-Pritchard

Abstract

' N I934 I published a paper, Levy-Bruhl's theory of Primitive Mentality , in the Blletin of the Faculty of Arts of the Egyptian University. I sent = .a copy of the article to Levy-Bruhl, whom I had met previously, and I received from him a letter vfhich I novv publish for several reasons. Firstly, because it is in itself of value for students of Levy-Bruhl's writings. Some of those who have read my article may have vfondered 57vhat Lelry-Bruhl mrould have said in reply to my exposition and criticism of his theory. Secondly, because it is interesting to know that he was turning over in his mind in I934 some of the reformulations of his theory which appear in the posthumous Carnets. Thirdly, because it shows Levy-Bruhl to have been as great a man as he was a scholartolerant, open-minded, and courteous. His letter is a model for any senior scholar replying to criticisms of his vievfs by an inferior in years, knonrledge, and ability. My explanatory comments are in square brackets. Words in italics are those underlined, and phrases in single quotation marks are those in English in Levy-Bruhl's letter. The letter was translated by Mr. Donald G. MacRae. E. E. E.-P.