MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

by Ruth Benedict

In "Patterns of Culture," renowned anthropologist Ruth Benedict explores the intricate tapestry of human societies through a comparative study of three different cultures: the Zuni of the American Southwest, the Dobuans of Melanesia, and the Kwakiutl of the Pacific Northwest. Through her insightful analysis, Benedict sheds light on the diverse ways in which these societies structure their beliefs, values, and social practices.

By delving deep into the customs, rituals, and traditions of each culture, Benedict reveals how distinct patterns emerge that shape the worldview and behaviors of its members. Drawing on her expertise in anthropology, she challenges readers to question their own cultural assumptions and consider the profound impact of environment and history on shaping human civilization.

With clarity and precision, "Patterns of Culture" offers a compelling examination of the complexities of culture and the rich diversity of human experience. Benedict's seminal work continues to inspire readers to explore the multifaceted layers of society and reflect on the fundamental elements that define who we are as individuals and communities.

NY. A MENTOR BOOK. THE NEW AMERICAN LIBRARY1934. 289p.

may contain markup

By Jacob Black-Michaud

In "COHESIVE FORCE: Feud in the Mediterranean and the Middle East," readers are taken on a gripping journey through the complex web of conflicts that have shaped the region for centuries. From ancient rivalries to modern power struggles, this book delves into the intricate dynamics at play in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

With meticulous research and insightful analysis, the author unravels the historical, political, and cultural factors that have fueled the ongoing feud in this volatile region. Through compelling narratives and in-depth exploration, "COHESIVE FORCE" sheds light on the key players, events, and ideologies that continue to shape the destinies of nations and peoples in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the turbulent forces at work in this crucial part of the world, "COHESIVE FORCE" offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking account that challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on one of the most contested territories on the global stage.

B. Blackwell Oxford, 1975, 270 pages

Edited by Paul Rollier, Kathinka Frøystad, and Arild Engelsen Ruud

Whether spurred by religious images or academic history books, hardly a day goes by in South Asia without an incident or court case occurring as a result of hurt religious feelings. The sharp rise in blasphemy accusations over the past few decades calls for an investigation into why offence politics has become so pronounced, and why it is observable across religious and political differences.

Outrage offers an interdisciplinary study of this growing trend. Bringing together researchers in Anthropology, Religious Studies, Languages, South Asia Studies and History, all with rich experience in the variegated ways in which religion and politics intersect in this region, the volume presents a fine-grained analysis that navigates and unpacks the religious sensitivities and political concerns under discussion.

Each chapter focuses on a recent case or context of alleged blasphemy or desecration in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, collectively exploring common denominators across national and religious differences. Among the common features are the rapid introduction of social media and smartphones, the possible political gains of initiating blasphemy accusations, and the growing self-assertion of marginal communities. These features are turning South Asia into a veritable flash point for offence controversies in the world today, and will be of interest to researchers exploring the intersection of religion and politics in South Asia and beyond.

London: UCL Press, 2019. 266p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

Edited by Shlomo Deshen and Walter P. Zenner

FROM THE PREFACE: “This work sterns from many decades of effort and affection which we, as social anthropologists, have invested in research on Jews from Muslim lands for over thirty years. We have been engaged in uncovering the present-day life of Middle Eastern Jews in Israel, the United States, in other countries in Europe and the Americas, as well as North Africa. Together with our interest in the present, we both have a lively interest in the social history of these people. In 1982, we published a volume of selections which tried to reconstruct the lives in Jews in traditional Middle Easter societies, as well as syntheses by anthropologists and historians. Jewish Societies in the Middle East: Community, Culture and Authority was well received at the time. But, since 1982, much has been published on the Jews of North Africa and Southwest Asia, both by professional historians and anthropologists. Anthropological thinking has become more critical of earlier theoretical approaches. The perspectives of scholars have been affected by political changes in the relationship of Israel and her Arab neighbors. We decided to respond to these developments by editing a new volume.”

NY. New York University Press. 1996. 297p.

By Maurice Parmelee.

Introduction: Recent changes in the treatment of the criminal. The new science of criminology. Study of penology in America. Logical order of study. Point of view and plan of the book.

Macmillan (1908) 429 pages.

By Bronislaw Malinowski.

This great classic established the basic methodology for modern anthropology. As Malinowski observed at the end of his book: "The true problem is not to study how human life submits to rules; the real problem is how the rules become adapted to life." On that question, he has left us richly inspired to continue the quest.

Harcourt (1926) 156 pages.

Edited by Mark Maguire, Catarina Frois, and Nils Zurawski.

Perspectives from the Frontline of Policing, Counter-terrorism and Border Control. Anthropology is a discipline based upon in-depth ethnographic works that deal with wider theoretical issues in the context of particular, local conditions – to paraphrase an important volume from the series: large issues explored in small places. This series has a particular mission: to publish work that moves away from an old-style descriptive ethnography that is strongly area-studies oriented, and offer genuine theoretical arguments that are of interest to a much wider readership, but which are nevertheless located and grounded in solid ethnographic research. If anthropology is to argue itself a place in the contemporary intellectual world, then it must surely be through such research. We start from the question: ‘What can this ethnographic material tell us about the bigger theoretical issues that concern the social sciences?’ rather than ‘What can these theoretical ideas tell us about the ethnographic context?’ Put this way round, such work becomes about large issues, set in a (relatively) small place, rather than detailed description of a small place for its own sake. As Clifford Geertz once said, ‘Anthropologists don’t study villages; they study in villages.

London: Pluto Press, 2014. 225p.

By Charles Cooley.

In "Human Nature and Social Order Part 1," author delves deep into the complex interplay between human behavior and societal structures. Drawing from a multitude of disciplines including sociology, psychology, and anthropology, this compelling book explores fundamental questions about the nature of humanity and the forces that shape our interactions within society.

From the intricate dynamics of interpersonal relationships to the broader impact of cultural norms and institutions, the author navigates through thought-provoking concepts with clarity and depth. Through a series of insightful case studies and theoretical discussions, "Human Nature and Social Order Part 1" invites readers to critically examine the intricacies of human nature and its role in shaping social order.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the profound ways in which individuals and societies influence each other. "Human Nature and Social Order Part 1" is a thought-provoking journey that challenges conventional wisdom and offers new insights into the intricate tapestry of human existence.

NY.: Scribner. (1902) 421 pages total both parts.