Review by Choice Review
Newly revised and updated, the second edition (1st ed., 2004) of this gem of a brief introduction to sociocultural anthropology and its contributions selectively and concisely covers key historical figures (e.g., Boas and Malinowski), concepts (e.g., culture, society, holism), theories (e.g., structural-functionalism, culture and personality, materialism), and the production of ethnography (which relies strongly on participant-observation). This guide also argues that contemporary anthropology tends to combine multiple concepts and approaches to create complex statements, as illustrated in chapters on reciprocity, kinship, nature, thought, and social identity. There are further reading selections, but the book is not illustrated, nor does it draw much on feminist anthropology/ists. For students at all levels, professionals, and courses that would benefit from a clear, authoritative overview of anthropology from a European perspective. Summing Up: Recommended. All public and academic levels/libraries. --Gretchen M. Herrmann, SUNY College at Cortland
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
