Understanding Culture : An Introduction to Anthropological Theory

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Summary: a Survey for All Anthropologists
Review: Philip Salzman provides a lively and accessible survey of current anthropological theory, which will be useful to students and practising social scientists alike who wish to update their knowledge of the current, controversial state of anthropological theory. Salzman's final chapter catches the state of debate more successfully than any other work I know and brings this concise but highly informative survey to a wise and sensible conclusion, as might be expected of the author of Black Tents of Baluchistan. The book's succinctness and attractive style render it highly accessible to a wide readership.

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Summary: finally -- a good overview of contemporary anthro theory!
Review: This little book is a gem. For years, Kaplan and Manners' CULTURE THEORY was my guide for a quick, unbiased overview of anthropological theory. K&M, while still useful, sorely needs an update. Waveland Press (which also published CULTURE THEORY), scores again with Salzman's UNDERSTANDING CULTURE. There's a lot to like about this book.

Salzman offers a fresh and eminently readable commentary on the full breadth of anthropological theory, including the most current theorists. Students and professors alike will find the author's discussion of the different ways that "theory" can be conceptualized helpful. The glossary of terms and brief biographies of anthropologists add a nice touch, too.

This book is a "must have" for both the casual and academic reader.