34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for a passing interest or more advanced studies, Aug 24 2008
By Michael Carpenter - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Anthropology For Dummies (Paperback)
I'm a junior with an anthropology major, so I'm not exactly the highest source when it comes to recommending anthropology books, but as a general reader and someone with an interest in anthropology, I can say that this is one of the best general study books on anthropology that I've read. There are clear explanations for each of the four subfields of anthropology, which are biological (or physical) anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. While obviously not a comprehensive study of any of the subfields (it is, after all, a For Dummies book), it provides a good amount of information on these subjects without becoming too convoluted.I felt that some of the information on biological anthropology can get a bit exhausting, such as with dates and fossil names, but that may just be because I've never been great at memorizing dates and whatnot.
I feel that there is something for everyone in this book. Even if you're not an anthropology student, there are still topics in this book, such as the origin of language, tool-making, and culture in general, that anyone who is interested in other fellow human beings (i.e, everyone) will find relevant and useful.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent overview for students and general public, Oct 23 2009
By Guy P. Harrison "author of 50 Popular Beliefs... - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Anthropology For Dummies (Paperback)
I love this book! As a serious life-long student of anthropology I was familiar with most of the content, but this well-written and gentle survey of the wonderful and important world of anthropology was a great ride, nonetheless. While prospective and new anthropology students will find much of interest, I'm confident just about anyone else would find this work fascinating and relevant too. There is so much here and it flies by with ease so no one should fear either boredom or cerebral stress. Many people don't seem to realize how broad the field of anthropology is. Explore this book to find out: from linguistics, to archaeology; from "race" to religion; from Homo erectus to farming, it's all here. And none of it is stale or monotonous. For example, there is even a cool section on anthropologically themed books and films. I also loved "Ten Things to Remember About Anthropology". That chapter alone is worth the price of admission.
The best endorsement I can offer is this: I will be giving away a few copies to friends this Christmas. I think a book like this can be especially powerful with young people. The authors will never know, but I am sure that many careers in anthropology will be inspired by this fun and enlightening book.
--Guy P. Harrison, author of
Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know about Our Biological Diversity
and
50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A BOOK FOR DUMMIES IN NAME ONLY, Jun 11 2010
By Kay's Husband - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Anthropology For Dummies (Paperback)
Though I have seen many of these "dummy" books on bookstore shelves until this one on Anthropology I have passed them all by. Following a B.S. in Anthropology in college I could not dismiss this one.
To my surprise the book does a terrific job for the layman and for the student. All the information for either study or reference is here. Great too for cramming for those mid-terms or finals. I think so highly of this book that I think my next purchase will be the book Archaeology for Dummies.
This volume is one designed for the reader to either thumb through stopping to read those sections of interest and is also designed for the reader who wants to read completely through all sections. There are pictures, maps, drawings, etc., with bold type and icons for calling attention to items the author felt of importance. A good book for use up to and through the introductory level course in Anthropology, but not for the graduate student unless used for reference.
A real addition to the practical books available to anyone interested all aspects of Anthropology. I recall that though our lecture hall classes were filled they were not packed, there were no standing in line ever to register for a course in Anthropology. Mostly the other way round, we had to have so many students signed up for the course to have it taught as scheduled. Sometimes it took a few quarters to catch up with a course that was desired or required.
Whether presently involved with a course in Anthropology or just having curious interest in this practical and far ranging field, this is an excellent starting point and at a reasonable cost. Anyone taking Anthropology courses in college these days will be only too aware of book costs on campus.
Semper Fi.