Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology: Humanity, Culture and Social Life
Published by: faris (Karma: 1.50) on 1 May 2008 | Views: 4041
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This comprehensive and integrated three-volume encyclopedia focuses its attention on humanity, culture, and social life. The 11 articles in Part 1 deal with the origin and evolution of our species in terms of fossil hominids, tool-making behavior, language, modes of subsistence, and population studies. Of special interest is the entry on the evolution of early hominids by Phillip V. Tobias, although it is unfortunate that there is no recent contribution from Donald Johanson or Richard Leakey on this complex but essential subject in physical anthropology. Part 2's 14 articles cover a wide range of topics, including art, myth, ritual, religion, and technology. Mary LeCron Foster's entry on symbolism as the foundation of culture is especially important. Part 3 examines the socialization of human beings and contains articles on kinship, language, social evolution, and violence. The four editorial introductions by Ingold (Univ. of Manchester) are most helpful in outlining the scope, structure, and content of this impressive reference work. Recommended for all anthropology collections, especially those in academic libraries.
