- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Taylor and Francis; New edition edition (Jan 4 1987)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0710302452
- ISBN-13: 978-0710302458
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 13.7 x 2.5 cm
- Shipping Weight: 454 g
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
Book Description
This classic work, which involved the collaboration of leading figures in the field of social anthropology, was the first to undertake the comparative study of African politica systems, as an example of the wider field of study of political institutions in traditional societies in general, which is an important branch of anthropology but which had not, until this book appeared, received the attention it deserved. The book is based on field studies of eight African societies: the Zulu, the Ngwato, the Bemba, the Kingdom of Ankole, the Kede, the Bantu, the Tallensi, and the Nuer. The continuing importance of the book lies in its illustration of the application of the comparative method, in the accounts of different African societies by distinguished anthropologists who were instrumental in establishing the field, and in the unique portrait it presents of traditional African societies at the end of the colonial era, poised upon the brink of a time of great change.
About the Author
Meyer Fortes was William Wyse Professor of Social Anthropology at Cambridge University. Sir Edward Evans-Prichard was Professor of Social Anthropology at Oxford University.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who says anthropology is useless?, May 21 2008
By Lynn Hoffman, author:The Short Course in Beer - Published on Amazon.com
This book, by two of the most profound students of Africa is almost shockingly germane almost 70 years after its publication. It remains relevant because*the social units it focuses on: ethnic groups (tribes) are still extremely useful in understanding African political life
*the principals of segmentation and balanced opposition which were developed by Meyer Fortes (I wonder why he concealed his first name) are as familiar as today's news
*and finally, the observation that "In Africa it is often hardly possible to separate, even in thought, political office from ritual or religious office."
The groups involved do not include any of the players in Kenya's political life, but Zulu, BaBemba and BaNtu are described. If you want some wisdom with which to understand today's Africa, this is the place to start.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good overview of African Political Systems, Nov 30 2011
By J. Yaun - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
A good review of African political systems and regimes during colonialism and post-colonialism eras. A good comparative study of these political institutions and African sociological issues affecting these governments.
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