The Masks of God is the summation of Joseph Campbell's lifelong study of the origins and function of myth. In this volume, Primitive Mythology, Campbell examines the primitive roots of spiritual beliefs among our ancient ancestors. Drawing on anthropology, archaeology and psychology Primitive Mythology confirms the fundamental unity of mankind (not only biologically but in shared spiritual history). As a whole, the landmark quartet The Masks of God traces mankind's history as a search for meaning through ideas, themes and quests of culture and religion.