The Reinvention of Primitive Society Transformations of a Myth [Paperback]

The Invention of Primitive Society, Adam Kupers 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.

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 Maines 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&nlãj