Window on Humanity: A Concise Introduction to Anthropology

by Conrad Phillip Kottak

Written by one of the prominent scholars in the field and recent inductee of The National Academy of Sciences, this concise, up-to-date introduction to general anthropology carefully balances coverage of core topics and contemporary changes in the field. Since no single or monolithic theoretical perspective orients this book, instructors with a wide range of views and approaches can use it effectively. The combination of brevity and readability make Window on Humanity a perfect match for general anthropology courses that use readings or ethnographies along with a main text. .

Genres: Textbooks, Anthropology, Nonfiction, Read For School, College, Reference, School

560 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2004

Reviews

[Jack Williamson]

This textbook is a thinly veiled web of opinions—ranging from politics to criticisms of established research to the completely inane—under the guise of objective fact. Scattered throughout are critiques on modern political events and anthropological conjecture that will become outdated faster than milk in my refrigerator. If no contemporary issues were discussed, the textbook could be considered little more than a pamphlet. Indeed, integral to this book, though not to anthropology, is the political: the only uniting cultural force—the religion of modernity.
Anthropology is a fascinating subject with much to say on the relations and workings of human nature, and under the contemporary filth there is some interesting discussion here. This textbook is at its best when the author is summarizing another’s ideas and at its worst when he ventures to think. O the continuous misfortune caused by the power we give imbeciles over the thought of the next generation.

[Lilly]

A solid introduction to anthropology, while not incredibly inclusive in terms of language, Phillips does a wonderful job of articulating the various subsections of anthropology and humanity as well. Futhermore, the explicit focus on unlearning biases as well as the inherent biased associations we have with our familiar culture(s), set a tone throughout the textbook that I found to be very helpful in terms of guidance.

[BEIBEI]

非常棒的人类学导论教材。

[Rys]

This book sucked this class sucked and you killed my brain cells trying to care about this sucky book and class. I passed the class however

[Nesreen Elathram]

so good !!!

[Nita]

Excellent introduction to the subject of Anthropology.

[Ivy]

Yay college readings from last semester!

[Dirty Hillary]

I had to read this for Introduction to Anthropology.