The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer is a book thatHolland Novak is seen reading frequently in the original series. Dewey Novak has also been seen reading the book. The book was published in 1890.
Overview[]
Holland's Copy of "The Golden Bough"
This book tells about the Priesthood of Nemi and the bloody succession ritual in which the prospect new priest slays his predecessor. Following the ritual and the slaying of the last Priest or the last "King of the Forest of Nemi" the one who slayed him became the new priest and king. This is the ritual that the Novak family's patricidal ritual is based on as both Novaks can be seen reading the book. The difference between the two seems to be that the successor is always the son of the last King and the priestly duties are not present. The titles the Novak family holds are "The Sacrificial King" and "The King of the Forest of Nemi". They have also been referred to as the King of this world. The family was treated and lived as aristocracy though it is indicated that they did not have much if any political power.