Anthropology: A Beginner's Guide

Beginner's Guide (Oneworld Publications)

by Joy Hendry, Simon Underdown

In this illuminating tour of humanity, Joy Hendry and Simon Underdown reveal the origins of our species, and the fabric of human society, through the discipline of anthropology. Via fascinating case studies and discoveries, they unravel our understanding of human behaviours and beliefs, including how witchcraft has been used to justify misfortune, and debunk old-fashioned ideas about “race” based upon the latest genetic research. They even share what our bathroom tells us about our concept of the body – and ourselves.From our evolutionary ancestors, through our rites of passage, to our responses to globalization, Hendry and Underdown provide the essential first step to understanding the world as an anthropologist would – in all its diversity and commonality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Anthropology, Sociology, Science, Audiobook

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dee Moe]

Fantastic, easily-to-digest book of just under 200 pages that covers basics in anthropology and discusses central texts to the field from Malinowski to Evans-Pritchard. Highly recommended for those thinking of studying an anthropology BA, people wishing to touch up of some basic understanding or those with a general interest in the subject.
A must have for beginners.

[Aziz Alkattan]

a lovely overview of the deep and rich field of anthropology. As a medical practitioner, an idea about anthropology and the diversity of human culture is important, especially when approaching different patient populations.

This book also helped me realize that although people may differ in behavior, anatomically and physiologically, we are all humans, all citizens of earth

[Ashley Kidd]

A beginners to guide to anthropology, the study of human beings, their societal, biological, cultural and ritual evolution.

The book is a great introduction to the topic as a whole, including brief explanations of where Homo Sapiens first originated, how much DNA we share with chimps and bananas, theories on bipedalism, and the first human species to a achieve it, etc.

This book is neatly packed (under 200 pages), yet packs enough punch to open the gateway into further research. Many different books are referenced throughout, and an additional “Further reading” chapter is at the back of the book.

[Lydia]

Excellent beginners guide that covers social and biological anthropology, and is full to the brim with references to interesting sounding studies and further reading to look into. I was admittedly already interested in this topic, but this well written and engaging little book has only intensified my feelings.

[Thomas]

Not great

Too broad-brush and basic to be of much interest. Appropriate for a young adult perhaps, but only to pique interest for other reading.

[Adisa Akintola]

An excellent beginners guide.

I'm converting to the field of Anthropology, so this has proven to be a useful introduction for me for my MRes.

[Shoshana]

Very informative and a great way to be introduced into anthropology

[Cian]

Dense, pretty interesting, makes me want to learn more

[Cecilie Søborg]

Antropologi er meget spænende som fag, men man kunne tydeligt mærke at det kun var en ‘beginners guide’, da den ikke gik særlig meget i dybden med noget som helst. Derudover er det vigtigt at bemærke, at den er skrevet af en biolog antropolog og en social/kultur antropolog, så det er primært de 2 sider af antropoligen der bliver berørt, og så alt det generelle i forhold til antropologi som profession. Biologi-delen interesserede mig ikke så meget, og den nærmede sig mere etnografi (ordet bliver også nævt meget ofte). Derfor synes jeg det er ærgeligt at det fylder så meget i bogen. Så når jeg ikke rater bogen så højt, er det ikke fordi jeg ikke finder faget spænende, men fordi den er meget generel og meget etnografisk…

[Christina]

Used this book for an introductory course to Cultural Anthropology.
A bit overwhelming with information but brilliant examples and useful slots with definitions ect.
Very rich theory and recommend it to anyone wanting to explore that realm!!

[Chris Rossell]

Some interesting tidbits but most of the book is very generalised, sickle cell anaemia and bipedal theories being two of the only memorable things.