Ancient Society (Classics of Anthropology) [Paperback]

Lewis Henry Morgan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0816509247 | ISBN-13: 978-0816509249 | Publication Date: May 1, 1985

Lewis Henry Morgan studied the American Indian way of life and collected an enormous amount of factual material on the history of primitive-communal society. All the conclusions he draws are based on these facts; where he lacks them, he reasons back on the basis of the data available to him. He determined the periodization of primitive society by linking each of the periods with the development of production techniques. The “great sequence of inventions and discoveries;” and the history of institutions, with each of its three branches — family, property and government — constitute the progress made by human society from its earliest stages to the beginning of civilization. Mankind gained this progress through 'the gradual evolution of their mental and moral powers through experience, and of their protracted struggle with opposing obstacles while winning their way to civilization.'

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book, first published in 1877, is believed to be the first modern inquiry into social evolution. Receiving much attention from Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, Ancient Society made a great impact on historians of the last century and influenced general anthropology."—Lore and Language (England)

About the Author

1818-1881

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (May 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816509247
• ISBN-13: 978-0816509249
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,459,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.