The reinvention of primitive society : transformations of a myth

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

The reinvention of primitive society : transformations of a myth

Adam Kuper

Routledge, 2005

2nd ed

  • : hbk
  • : pbk

Available at  / 8 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Rev. ed. of: The invention of primitive society

Includes bibliographical references and index

HTTP:URL=http://www.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip056/2005001214.html Information=Table of contents

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The Invention of Primitive Society, Adam Kuper's best selling critique of ideas about the origins of society and religion that have been much debated since Darwin, has been hugely influential in anthropology and post-colonial studies. This topical new edition, entitled The Reinvention of Primitive Society, has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of new research in the field. It coincides with a revival of the myth of primitive society by the 'indigenous peoples' movement', which taps into a widespread popular belief about the noble savage and reflects a romantic reaction against 'civilisation' and 'science'. By way of fascinating accounts of classic texts in anthropology, classical studies and law, the book reveals how wholly mistaken theories can become the basis for academic research and political programmes. In new chapters, Kuper challenges this most recent version of the myth of primitive society and traces conceptions of the barbarian, savage and primitive back through the centuries to ancient Greece. Lucidly written and student friendly, this is the must-have text for those interested in anthropological theory and current post-colonial debates.

Table of Contents

Preface Part 1:The idea of primitive society 1. The myth of primitive society 2. Barbarian, Savage, Primitive Part 2: Ancient law, ancient society and totemism 3. Henry Maine's patriarchal theory 4. Lewis Henry Morgan and ancient society 5. The question of totemism Part 3: Evolution and diffusion: Boas, Rivers and Radcliffe-Brown 6. The Boasians and the critique of evolutionism 7. From Rivers to Radcliffe-Brown Part 4: Descent and Alliance 8. Descent theory: a phoenix from the ashes 9. Towards the intellect: Alliance theory and totemism Part 5: Back to the beginning 10. The return of the native 11. Conclusion References Index

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

Page Top