Political Anthropology: An Introduction

by Ted C. Lewellen

In the foreword to the first edition, renowned anthropologist Victor Turner wrote that this book was a succinct and lucid account of the sporadic growth of political anthropology over the past four decades . . . the introduction we have all been waiting for. Unique in its field, this book offers a comprehensive overview of political anthropology, including its history, its major research findings, and its theoretical concerns both past and present. The third edition has been significantly updated and expanded, with extensive changes in many chapters, two new chapters, a new Preface that replaces the Introduction of the first two editions, an updated Glossary and Suggested Readings list, and an expanded Bibliography.



In a clearly written style, this introduction also provides the background necessary for further study. The new chapters cover such topics as the politics of identity, and the transition from modernism to postmodernism. As with the earlier editions, this third edition of what has become a classic in the discipline still serves as a basic text and structure for a full course.

Genres: Anthropology, Politics, Social Science, American, Philosophy, Nonfiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1983

Reviews

[Kyriaki Gkourgkouli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars, but that's kinda subjective, as I'm more into Cultural than Political Anthropology. Having read the "Small Places Large Issues" before reading this one helped me understand the use of certain terms such as structuralism whereas I really liked the fact that its sources were other cultures than the Yanomämo or the Fulani as well. I enjoyed the chapters dedicated to specific cultures in order to better explain the theories that were mentioned, and I really liked the reference to Foucault's Discipline and Punish, as well.

I'm aware that this is a pretty much comparative review, because I've only read a few anthropology-centered books and I'm no expert on the subject....

[Ernest Rezler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 really good job Ted

[Daniel Free · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read until p 80.