A History Of Anthropological Thought

by E.E. Evans-Pritchard, André Singer (Editor)

Reviews the ideas of the most influential anthropologists of the past and raises fundamental questions about the relationship between the individual and society

Genres: Anthropology, History

218 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1981

About the author

Sir Edward Evan "E. E." Evans-Pritchard (21 September 1902 – 11 September 1973) was an English anthropologist who was instrumental in the development of social anthropology. He was Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford from 1946 to 1970.

Reviews

[Samir Rawas Sarayji · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical perspective on anthropology. Evans-Pritchard writes on the most prominent thinkers of the field from its birth in the 18th century until (the last entries) the early 20th century. But the focus is more on the historical aspect, with the background of the selected anthropologists, their prominent achievements and contributions discussed. There is little in the way of actual anthropological discussions, which is what I was hoping for, to help understand the basics of the field. The writing is mostly clear but quite unengaging, more in the style of antiquated lecturing really. Anyway, this book is not what I was looking for. I have forgotten most of what I read already.

[David Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

No estoy preparado para esta chapa histórica.

[Sebastião · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very nice surprise. From the early ages to modern times, we are able to obtain a brief, yet accurate, overview on the evolution of the anthropological thought, i. e., the way Man observes itself and collectively in the society context, with regard to cultural, political and humanity aspects.