Customer Reviews

Anthropology For Dummies

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm a junior with an anthropology major, so I'm not exactly the highest source when it comes to recommending anthropology books, but as a general reader and someone with an interest in anthropology, I can say that this is one of the best general study books on anthropology that I've read. There are clear explanations for each of the four subfields of anthropology, which are biological (or physical) anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. While obviously not a comprehensive study of any of the subfields (it is, after all, a For Dummies book), it provides a good amount of information on these subjects without becoming too convoluted.I felt that some of the information on biological anthropology can get a bit exhausting, such as with dates and fossil names, but that may just be because I've never been great at memorizing dates and whatnot.

I feel that there is something for everyone in this book. Even if you're not an anthropology student, there are still topics in this book, such as the origin of language, tool-making, and culture in general, that anyone who is interested in other fellow human beings (i.e, everyone) will find relevant and useful.

I love this book! As a serious life-long student of anthropology I was familiar with most of the content, but this well-written and gentle survey of the wonderful and important world of anthropology was a great ride, nonetheless. While prospective and new anthropology students will find much of interest, I'm confident just about anyone else would find this work fascinating and relevant too. There is so much here and it flies by with ease so no one should fear either boredom or cerebral stress. Many people don't seem to realize how broad the field of anthropology is. Explore this book to find out: from linguistics, to archaeology; from "race" to religion; from Homo erectus to farming, it's all here. And none of it is stale or monotonous. For example, there is even a cool section on anthropologically themed books and films. I also loved "Ten Things to Remember About Anthropology". That chapter alone is worth the price of admission.

The best endorsement I can offer is this: I will be giving away a few copies to friends this Christmas. I think a book like this can be especially powerful with young people. The authors will never know, but I am sure that many careers in anthropology will be inspired by this fun and enlightening book.


--Guy P. Harrison, author of
Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know about Our Biological Diversity

and

50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

Though I have seen many of these "dummy" books on bookstore shelves until this one on Anthropology I have passed them all by. Following a B.S. in Anthropology in college I could not dismiss this one.

To my surprise the book does a terrific job for the layman and for the student. All the information for either study or reference is here. Great too for cramming for those mid-terms or finals. I think so highly of this book that I think my next purchase will be the book Archaeology for Dummies.

This volume is one designed for the reader to either thumb through stopping to read those sections of interest and is also designed for the reader who wants to read completely through all sections. There are pictures, maps, drawings, etc., with bold type and icons for calling attention to items the author felt of importance. A good book for use up to and through the introductory level course in Anthropology, but not for the graduate student unless used for reference.

A real addition to the practical books available to anyone interested all aspects of Anthropology. I recall that though our lecture hall classes were filled they were not packed, there were no standing in line ever to register for a course in Anthropology. Mostly the other way round, we had to have so many students signed up for the course to have it taught as scheduled. Sometimes it took a few quarters to catch up with a course that was desired or required.

Whether presently involved with a course in Anthropology or just having curious interest in this practical and far ranging field, this is an excellent starting point and at a reasonable cost. Anyone taking Anthropology courses in college these days will be only too aware of book costs on campus.

Semper Fi.

this was a great buy, probably the best book for the layman intrigued in Anthopology. However, having a BA in anthropology and I found this was absent, considerable points in anthropology . I used this book in the early intoduction classes of anthropology in the past and i ended up having to write all over the margins because there was much not included such as mentioning pre history (the time before written history ) although, you do get what you pay for. this book was though, like i said, a lifesaver of both grades, time and energy. i highly reccomend this to an undergratuate studying anthropology or archaeology.

I'm a stvdent of dr Smith's at Portland State and if ya cannot make it to his lectvre, Anthropology for Dummies is a good svbstitvte.

Excellent reading for those who would like to explore what anthropology is about. Great companion to the Archaeology for Dummies.

I have always been interested in the origin of man from a scientific approach ever since I was young. Reading this book is actually my first step into the Anthropology world and I'm glad. It starts in the beginning by explaining Anthropology as a whole, and then it breaks down each section. All the way from the dawn of primates (our ancestors, by opinion) to the creation of modern day civilization, this book touches on everything you need to know to get a basic understanding and brief introduction. It also contains a list of different Anthropology majors and movies and books to further your education. This is only the beginning of my fascination with Anthropology and I plan on looking deeper into it. I enjoyed learning from this book.

I bought this book as a way to help me understand the main arguments and debates within the field of anthropology, what I got was a "sermon" of one particular view within anthropology. If you are looking to get a well rounded view of anthropology which is considerate of and pays attention to several theories, this is not the book to buy.