The Interpretation of Cultures
Dive into the intricate world of cultural anthropology with Clifford Geertz's seminal work, exploring the profound meaning of 'culture' and …
The 30 Essential Books in Anthropology
A curated list of 30 essential books in anthropology, compiled through a survey of junior and senior anthropologists. This list has sparked debates about diversity and representation in the field.
Tristes tropiques
Claude Lévi-Strauss's iconic work blends anthropology, philosophy, and personal reflection in a journey through the Amazon and beyond.
Argonauts of the Western Pacific
Embark on a groundbreaking anthropological journey through the Western Pacific with Bronislaw Malinowski's seminal work, uncovering the intr…
The Mind of Primitive Man
Franz Boas's groundbreaking lectures challenge Western-centric views of societies, arguing for the uniqueness of each culture and debunking …
Coming of Age in Samoa
A groundbreaking study of adolescent life in Samoa that challenges Western notions of adolescence and culture.
Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic among the Azande
Delve into the fascinating world of the Azande people and their intricate belief systems, where witchcraft, oracles, and magic intertwine wi…
Purity and Danger
Explore the boundaries of cleanliness and contamination in this groundbreaking anthropological study.
Ancient Society
Explore the evolution of human society from primitive-communal stages to the dawn of civilization through the lens of Lewis Henry Morgan's g…
Patterns of Culture
Explore the fascinating diversity of human cultures through the lens of three distinct societies in this groundbreaking anthropological stud…
La violence et le sacré
Explore the profound relationship between violence and the sacred in this thought-provoking work that delves into the cultural and psycholog…
Writing Culture: The Poetics and Politics of Ethnography
A groundbreaking exploration of anthropology that challenges methodologies and delves into politics, ethics, and historical relevance.
In 2015, Allegra Lab launched a virtual survey among junior and senior anthropologists to identify the 30 essential books in anthropology. This list, while influential, has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity, particularly in terms of authorship and the inclusion of works from the post-modern era. The list includes foundational texts by authors such as Clifford Geertz, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and Bronisław Malinowski, among others. The debate around this list highlights the ongoing discussions within the field about whose voices are represented and what constitutes essential reading in anthropology. Allegra Lab has since expanded the list based on reader suggestions, reflecting a broader range of perspectives and contributions to the discipline.
Source: https://allegralaboratory.net/the-30-essential-books-in-anthropology/