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19 Best Anthropology Books For Beginners (2023 Update)
Are you looking for the Best Anthropology Books For Beginners? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Anthropology Books For Beginners can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Penguin Random House, WHSmith, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 19 Best Anthropology Books For Beginners available.
The average cost is $35.08. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $7.42 to a high of $102.00.
Based on the research we did, we think Essentials of Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit for a Global Age [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
19 Best Anthropology Books For Beginners (19 Sellers)
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Features:
- Essential tools for living in a multicultural and global age.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Year published: 2017-11-07.
Features:
- From an award-winning anthropologist, a lively, accessible, and at times irreverent introduction to the subject
- Product details
- Publication date: 02-13-2018
Features:
- Readings that will make your course come alive.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Year published: 2018-01-09.
Features:
- Oxford university press
- Highlight, take notes and search in the book
- In this edition, page numbers are just like the physical edition
$13.50
4.3
Features:
- How anthropologists learn about the past
- Humanity's earliest activities, from migration to civilization
- Why our language differs from other animal communication
Features:
- Wall street journal "fascinating and surprising."
- Melinda gates, author of the moment of lift "absolutely brilliant."
- The times (uk) "a book that will turn your world upside down in the best possible way: fun, profound and bursting with important insights."
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 2022-09-13
- Number of pages: 208
Features:
- Number of pages: 207
- Genre: social science
- Sub-genre: anthropology
$7.42
5.0
Features:
- Immersive learning experiences with revel: revel delivers immersive learning experiences designed for the way today's students read, think, and learn.
- Engaging pedagogically-driven design: learning objectives in each chapter correspond to chapter summary materials.
- Focus on contemporary issues: students will understand contemporary social problems and how anthropology might be used to address them.
$9.60
4.0
Features:
- Format: ebook
- Rental duration: lifetime
- Edition: 4th
Features:
- Inspires students to think like anthropologists in a multicultural and global age.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Year published: 20131126.
Features:
- Publisher: routledge
- Publisher date: 2016-01-22
- Dimensions: 21.6 x 3 x 27.9 cm
$7.79
Features:
- Number of pages: 216
- Genre: social science
- Sub-genre: anthropology
Features:
- Harper books
- It comes with proper packaging
- Ideal for gifting
Features:
- Publisher date: 2015-08-20
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 3.3 x 21.6 cm
- Category: society, politics & philosophy, social sciences, anthropology
Features:
- Used book in good condition
- Highlight, take notes, and search in the book
- In this edition, page numbers are just like the physical edition
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: w. w. norton & company
- Year published: 2018-09-14
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2017-02-02
- Number of pages: 592
Features:
- New chapter-opening student learning objectives help students understand what they are expected to learn.
- New the chapter summary is now in bullet format for easier access.
- New art and map programs completely redrawn and many new photos enhance student understanding of the concepts.
1. Essentials Of Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit For A Global Age [Book]
Product Details:
The most successful new textbook in a generation, ken guest's text shows students that now, more than ever, global forces affect local culture. students learn that the tools of cultural anthropology are relevant to their life in our globalized world. the new inquizitive course helps students focus their reading, master the basics, and come to class prepared.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | August 2015 |
| Length | 504 Pages |
| Dimensions | 0.6" x 6.9" x 9.0" |
Reviews:
Great book, great content!geitoalgt
The book came in time and was exactly as explained on the description.julieeslyter
2. How To Think Like An Anthropologist [Book]
Product Details:
From an award-winning anthropologist, a lively, accessible, and at times irreverent introduction to the subject what is anthropology? what can it tell us about the world? why, in short, does it matter? for well over a century, cultural anthropologists have circled the globe, from papua new guinea to suburban england and from china to california, uncovering surprising facts and insights about how humans organize their lives and articulate their values. in the process, anthropology has done more than any other discipline to reveal what culture means–and why it matters. by weaving together examples and theories from around the world, matthew engelke provides a lively, accessible, and at times irreverent introduction to anthropology, covering a wide range of classic and contemporary approaches, subjects, and practitioners. presenting a set of memorable cases, he encourages readers to think deeply about some of the key concepts with which anthropology tries to make sense of the world–from culture and nature to authority and blood.
Reviews:
Bought for my daughter. She says it's great!bvpgear20
3. Cultural Anthropology: A Reader For A Global Age [Book]
Product Details:
Best-selling author ken guest presents the essential readings and diverse voices that will help students understand their rapidly globalizing world. this concise, affordable reader is designed to complement any introductory syllabus and is the perfect companion to guest's market-leading texts.
Specifications:
| Book theme | Cultural & Social |
| Featured book lists | Textbooks |
| Language | English |
| Street Date | November 16, 2017 |
| Age Range | 22+ |
Reviews:
This book gives an overview on the subject. It contains some vocabulary terms with definitions, but the majority of the book is excerpts from researches and ethnographies conducted by various people. You learn through stories and anecdotes, which are super interesting, rather than like with traditional textbook formats. It gives you a more personal insight into a lot of the issues going on around the world.phage-t4
4. Social And Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction [Book]
Product Details:
Peter just and john monaghan begin by discussing anthropologys most important contributions to modern thought; its investigation of culture as a distinctively human characteristic, its doctrine of cultural relativism, and its methodology of fieldwork and ethnography. they then examine specific ways in which social and cultural anthropology have advanced our understanding of human society and culture, drawing on examples from their own fieldwork. the book ends with an assessment of anthropologys present position, and a look forward to its likely future.
Specifications:
| Weight | 1.96 lb |
Reviews:
Really enjoying the discursive nature of this introduction textbluh3116
5. Anthropology For Dummies [Book]
Product Details:
Covers the latest competing theories in the field get a handle on the fundamentals of biological and cultural anthropology when did the first civilizations arise? how many human languages exist? the answers are found in anthropology — and this friendly guide explains its concepts in clear detail. you'll see how anthropology developed as a science, what it tells us about our ancestors, and how it can help with some of the hot-button issues our world is facing today. discover: how anthropologists learn about the past humanity's earliest activities, from migration to civilization why our language differs from other animal communication how to find a career in anthropology
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | August 2008 |
| Length | 360 Pages |
| Dimensions | 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.3" |
Reviews:
While I have not completely read all the book, I can see that it is a helpful resource into what Anthropology is all about. Here in Britain, Anthropology is very similar to Archaeology, so it gives an overall of both. It's a good starting point for anyone who wants to know more about the subject(s) and it can point you in the direction of other useful texts too.mandym1964
Interesting book. I am currently studying anthropology and finding it fascinating. This book adds to my knowledge well.lindrea_81
6. Anthro-Vision: A New Way To See In Business And Life [Book]
Product Details:
Leaders today typically look for answers in economic models, big data, or artificial intelligence platforms. gillian tett points to anthropology—the study of human culture. anthropologists learn to get inside the minds of other people, helping them not only to understand other cultures but also to appraise their own environment with fresh perspective as an insider-outsider, gaining lateral vision. today, anthropologists are more likely to study amazon warehouses than remote amazon tribes; they have done research into institutions and companies such as general motors, nestlé, intel, and more, shedding light on practical questions such as how internet users really define themselves; why corporate projects fail; why bank traders miscalculate losses; how companies sell products like pet food and pensions; why pandemic policies succeed (or not). anthropology makes the familiar seem unfamiliar and vice versa, giving us badly needed three-dimensional perspective in a world where many executives are plagued by tunnel vision, especially in fields like finance and technology. “fascinating and surprising” (fareed zararia, cnn), anthro-vision offers a revolutionary new way for understanding the behavior of organizations, individuals, and markets in today’s ever-evolving world.
7. Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key To A Gracious View Of Others (And Yourself) [Book]
Product Details:
"a lighthearted yet high-minded exploration of failure's ability to serve as a gateway to grace. a high anthropology–thinking optimistically about human nature–can breed perfectionism, anxiety, burnout, loneliness, and resentment. meanwhile, zahl invites readers into a biblically rooted and surprisingly life-giving low anthropology, which fosters hope, deep connection with others, lasting love, vulnerability, compassion, and happiness. zahl offers a liberating view of human nature, sin, and grace, showing why the good news of christianity is both urgent and appealing. by embracing a more accurate view of human beings, readers will discover a true and lasting hope.
Reviews:
This book appealed to me because I didn't know much about anthropology, and I wanted to learn more about it to see if I wanted to apply it to my Christian World view. I appreciated that he not only defined it but throughout the book compared high and low anthropology to give a complete view. The book is divided into 3 parts and each part goes deeper into the subject. It is a clear and precise rendered of the topic. As I read, I considered where I stand regarding this topic. It is a great book for self-introspection. So, this book met and exceeded my expectations. A few parts of the book stood out to me. In part 1 which discusses "the shape of Anthropology", he states our reason has become disconnected from desire and emotions. In other words, Logic Vs. Love – 9 out of 10 times love wins. So, there is a conflict between our head and our hearts. Under Part 2 regarding The mechanics of Low Anthropology, he states that a low anthropologist affirms that everything God created is good and all humans are far from perfect. I resonate with this. When he speaks of the Fruit of Low Anthropology he states regarding faith: we don't have all te facts about people, or God but we put our faith in God – who has all the facts. Toward the conclusion of the book in Part 3, under the Law of Low Anthropology he states that the High Anthropologist experiences religious burn out because the person in put in a battle they can't win. The Low Anthropologist says we are small, and God is large – God does for us what we can't. This book met and exceeded my expectations. It is laid out in a way that is easy to follow and understand and yet scholarly enough to challenge you to think about the material. It helps to put a framework about what and why you believe.SueReader
8. Anthropology: A Beginner's Guide [Book]
Product Details:
In this illuminating tour of humanity, joy hendry and simon underdown reveal the origins of our species, and the fabric of human society, through the discipline of anthropology. via fascinating case studies and discoveries, they unravel our understanding of human behaviours and beliefs, including how witchcraft has been used to justify misfortune, and debunk old-fashioned ideas about “race” based upon the latest genetic research. they even share what our bathroom tells us about our concept of the body – and ourselves. from our evolutionary ancestors, through our rites of passage, to our responses to globalization, hendry and underdown provide the essential first step to understanding the world as an anthropologist would – in all its diversity and commonality.
Specifications:
| Imprint | Oneworld |
| Pub date | 01 Aug 2012 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 14mm |
Reviews:
9. Anthropology [Book]
Product Details:
Explains how and why human cultures vary so greatly across space and time anthropology, provides students with a comprehensive and scientific introduction to the holistic four fields of anthropology and the important role of applied anthropology. readers will understand humans in all their variety, and why such variety exists. it also show students how anthropological skill sets can be applied beyond academia. the fourteenth edition places an increased emphasis on new explanations and the necessity to evaluate these new explanations logically as well as on the basis of the available evidence. revel from pearson is an immersive learning experience designed for the way today's student read, think, and learn. revel modernizes familiar and respected course content with dynamic media interactives and assessments, and empowers educators to increase engagement in the course, better connecting with students. the result is increased student engagement and improved learning. teaching and learning experience this program will provide a better teaching and learning experience- for you and your students. it: immersive learning experiences with revel: revel delivers immersive learning experiences designed for the way today's students read, think, and learn. engaging pedagogically-driven design: learning objectives in each chapter correspond to chapter summary materials a clear understanding of humans: readers will learn the major variations in human kinship, economic, political, and religious systems and why it is significant. focus on contemporary issues: students will understand contemporary social problems and how anthropology might be used to address them.
Specifications:
| Imprint | A&S SOFTSIDE 2 SSA |
| Pub date | 07 Sep 2014 |
| DEWEY | 306 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Spine width | 35mm |
Reviews:
It was very affordable when compared to the prices in other places. The content is the same so that is not an issue.shaspi20
10. Introducing Cultural Anthropology [Book]
Product Details:
Introducing cultural anthropology, a short yet comprehensive anchor text, is an approachable, full-color introduction to cultural anthropology. this edition continues to provide students with the opportunity to explore anthropology's relevance to their own lives. unique opening vignettes draw students into each chapter while the rich visual program allows professors to use a brief text without sacrificing visual appeal. "try this" exercises encourage students to think critically and apply anthropological concepts, perspectives and methods, and the "anthropology around us" boxes focus on the application of anthropological concepts featured in each chapter.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | January 2001 |
| Length | 309 Pages |
| Dimensions | 0.5" x 7.4" x 9.1" |
Reviews:
11. Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit For A Global Age [Book]
Product Details:
Covering the essential concepts that drive cultural anthropology today, ken guest's cultural anthropology: a toolkit for a global age shows students that now, more than ever, global forces affect local culture and that the tools of cultural anthropology are essential to living in a global society. a “toolkit” approach encourages students to pay attention to big questions raised by anthropologists, offers study tools to remind readers what concepts are important, and shows them why it all matters in the real world.
Specifications:
| Weight | 2.31 lb |
Reviews:
the book is in pretty good conditionfarzanisla_27
12. Understanding And Applying Medical Anthropology: Biosocial And Cultural Approaches [Book]
Product Details:
The editors of the third edition of the seminal textbook understanding and applying medical anthropology bring it completely up to date for both instructors and students. the collection of 49 readings (17 of them new to this edition) offers extensive background description and exposes students to the breadth of theoretical, methodological, and practical perspectives and issues in the field of medical anthropology. the text provides specific examples and case studies of research as it is applied to a range of health settings: from cross-cultural clinical encounters to cultural analysis of new biomedical technologies and the implementation of programs in global health settings. the new edition features: – a major revision that eliminates many older readings in favor of more fresh, relevant selections; – a new section on structural violence that looks at the impact of poverty and other forms of social marginalization on health; – an updated and expanded section on "conceptual tools," including new research and ideas that are currently driving the field of medical anthropology forward (such as epigenetics and syndemics); – new chapters on climate change, ebola, ptsd among iraq/afghanistan veterans, eating disorders, and autism, among others; – recent articles from margaret mead award winners sera young, seth holmes, and erin finley, along with new articles by such established medical anthropologists as paul farmer and merrill singer.
Specifications:
| Weight | 0.49 lb |
Reviews:
13. Anthropology: The Basics [Book]
Product Details:
The ultimate guide for the student encountering anthropology for the first time, anthropology: the basics explains and explores key anthropological concepts including: what is anthropology? what is culture, anyway? how do anthropologists study culture? what are the key theories and approaches used today? how has the discipline changed over time? this student-friendly text provides an overview of the fundamental principles of anthropology and is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject.
Specifications:
14. Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind [Book]
Product Details:
Official u.s. edition with full color illustrations throughout.new york times bestsellera summer reading pick for president barack obama, bill gates, and mark zuckerberg from a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” one hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited earth. yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. what happened to the others? and what may happen to us? most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but dr. yuval noah harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. from examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.dr. harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of jared diamond, james gleick, matt ridley, robert wright, and sharon moalem.
Reviews:
Sapiens is an insightful, history-laden explanation of how and why we humans organize ourselves the way we do. At the same time, it's a readable story of human history. Harari is an apt guide who doesn't preach, but lays out for us how we may have come by some of our inner workings. At a time when the future looks opaque, an unflinching look at our past can do wonders. I read all three Harari books this past summer, but found Sapiens to be the most compelling and important work of the three. A book that will change your mind, if you're open to it.jwregularguy
The book is a modern day classic which tries to reason why certain decisions were chosen over the other and how these decisions have shaped up the course of human history. While giving us potential explanations, Yuval also reminds us that these are mere speculations or theories and nobody can be sure what was going inside the minds of homo sapiens at that time. Some chapters are a bit of a stretch, though when someone tries to summarize the course of 70,000 years of human history into 416 pages, one can hardly complain. I have given an extra star for BookishSanta team who have provided the book in original (color edition) form with a nice touch of handwritten note.Utkarsh Y.
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and had me gripped from page one. The author puts things into perspective – drawing analogies and parallels – that is shocking , surprising and even funny. I felt a number of emotions reading this, from ignorance, astonishing intellect, shock, horror, surprise, anger, sadness, hunger? I highly recommend for anyone looking for a easy, albeit enlightening read about the development of human, society and life as we know it.Gene
15. Small Places, Large Issues: An Introduction To Social And Cultural Anthropology [Book]
Product Details:
This introduction to social and cultural anthropology has become a modern classic, revealing the rich global variation in social life and culture across the world. presenting a clear overview of anthropology, it focuses on central topics such as kinship, ethnicity, ritual, and political systems, offering a wealth of examples that demonstrate the enormous scope of anthropology and the importance of a comparative perspective. unlike other texts on the subject, small places, large issues incorporates the anthropology of complex modern societies. using reviews of key works to illustrate his argument, thomas hylland eriksen's lucid and accessible overview remains an established introductory text in anthropology. this fourth edition is updated throughout and increases the emphasis on the interdependence of the human world. it incorporates recent debates and controversies, ranging from globalization and migration research to problems of cultural translation, and discusses the challenges of interdisciplinarity in a lucid way.
Reviews:
Riktigt bra introduktion till Socialantropologi, kunde inte sluta läsa ^_^Jack
16. The Innocent Anthropologist: Notes From A Mud Hut [Book]
Product Details:
Paperback the item is fairly worn but still readable. signs of wear include aesthetic issues such as scratches worn covers damaged binding. the item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. may have page creases creased spine bent cover or markings inside.
Reviews:
I 1st read this book +25 years ago, its a great read and insight into African tribal anthropology.Nic F.
Good and interesting bookyales_85
17. Essentials Of Biological Anthropology [Book]
Product Details:
Larsen helps engage your students with the dynamic field of biological anthropology. new anthropology matters videos encourage students to connect anthropological concepts to the world around them. a highly visual learning tool–inquizitive–offers a fun, hands-on way to master course concepts. and rigorously current content immerses students in the most exciting research and discoveries in the field today. together these provide everything you need to teach a state-of-the-art course that achieves your course goals.
Reviews:
This is great! Really helps for students on a budget and is really good with responding.jabar_8426
18. Introduction To Physical Anthropology [Book]
Product Details:
Introduction to physical anthropology brings the study of physical anthropology to life! with a focus on the big picture of human evolution, the 15th edition helps you master the basic principles of the subject and arrive at an understanding of the human species and its place in the biological world. each chapter begins with new student learning objectives and a chapter outline to help you focus your study time.
Reviews:
19. Cengage Advantage Books: Understanding Humans: An Introduction To Physical Anthropology And Archaeology [Book]
Product Details:
Understanding humans: introduction to physical anthropology and archaeology shows students how anthropologists and archaeologists go about their work as they study human evolution, living nonhuman primates, human adaptation and variation, the origin and dispersal of modern humans, food production, the first civilizations of the old and new worlds, and so much more. using a biocultural approach, the text balances the presentation of physical anthropology with archaeology and concludes with a new chapter that ties together the material on human biological and cultural adaptation by focusing on lessons learned from our species evolution such as the impact of humans on the environment. students will also benefit from the new chapter opening learning objectives, at a glance sections that summarize key concepts, and end-of-chapter critical thinking questions that help students better understand the material and study more effectively for exams.important notice: media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.
