Tristes tropiques

by Lévi-Strauss, C.
Tristes tropiques cover
Good Books rating 3.92
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 9135
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Published: 1966-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Tristes tropiques is a seminal work by Claude Lévi-Strauss, a renowned French anthropologist. This book is not just a travelogue but a profound exploration of the human condition, blending anthropology, philosophy, and personal reflection. Lévi-Strauss recounts his experiences in the Amazon and other parts of the world, offering a unique perspective on the cultures he encountered and the impact of Western civilization on indigenous societies. /n/n The book is also a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and the human experience. Lévi-Strauss's writing is both poetic and insightful, making Tristes tropiques a compelling read for anyone interested in anthropology, philosophy, or the complexities of human existence. The work is notable for its introspective and sometimes melancholic tone, reflecting on the passage of time and the loss of traditional ways of life.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2015-08-17
melancholic 4.00

The book is a poignant reflection on colonialism and its impact on indigenous cultures. The author's melancholic tone underscores the loss and destruction witnessed during his travels.

The Guardian's review highlights the deep sadness and reflection woven throughout the book. The author's encounters with various cultures are described with a sense of melancholy, particularly in the context of colonialism. The reviewer notes how the book serves as a powerful commentary on the irreversible changes brought about by colonialism, making it a poignant read. The author's personal reflections add a layer of depth, making the narrative both intimate and universally resonant.

Quick quotes

    This careful account of an encounter with a very foreign people is freighted with great sadness at the colonial legacy his subjects bear.

    The book is a powerful commentary on the irreversible changes brought about by colonialism.

    The author's personal reflections add a layer of depth, making the narrative both intimate and universally resonant.

The New York Times · 2009-11-05
profound 3.50

The book is a profound exploration of anthropology, though it has its flaws. The author's personal imperfections are acknowledged, adding complexity to the narrative.

The New York Times review acknowledges that 'Tristes Tropiques' is not a perfect work, but it is a profound exploration of anthropology. The reviewer appreciates the author's boldness and depth of thought, even as they note his personal imperfections. These imperfections, both acknowledged and unacknowledged, add a layer of complexity to the narrative. The book's exploration of different cultures and the author's personal reflections make it a compelling read, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    "Tristes Tropiques" is not a perfect work, and Mr. Lévi-Strauss had imperfections of his own, some acknowledged, some not.

    He misspelled the name of the river, but that is a minor flaw in an otherwise profound exploration.

    The book's exploration of different cultures and the author's personal reflections make it a compelling read.

Commentary Magazine · Frank Lipsius · 1974-09-01
engaging 4.25

The book combines adventure and danger with cool, analytical insights. The author's ability to bring forth critical observations is commendable.

Frank Lipsius' review in Commentary Magazine highlights the adventurous and dangerous aspects of the book, but also its cool and analytical insights. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to bring forth critical observations, making the book both exciting and intellectually stimulating. The combination of personal adventure and deep analytical thought makes 'Tristes Tropiques' a unique and engaging read. The reviewer notes that the author's achievements lie in his ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner.

Quick quotes

    It involves adventure and danger, but the result is cool and analytical.

    Part of Lévi-Strauss's achievement has been to bring to the fore just how complex and interconnected human cultures are.

    The combination of personal adventure and deep analytical thought makes 'Tristes Tropiques' a unique and engaging read.

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