The Evolution of Culture: The Development of Civilization to the Fall of Rome (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781598741445)

One of the major works of twentieth-century anthropological theory, written by one of the discipline's most important, complex, and controversial figures, has not been in print for several years. Now Evolution of Culture is again available in paperback, allowing today's generation of anthropologists new access to Leslie White's crucial contribution to the theory of cultural evolution. A new, substantial introduction by Robert Carneiro and Burton J. Brown assess White's historical importance and continuing influence in the discipline. White is credited with reintroducing evolution in a way that had a profound impact on our understanding of the relationship between technology, ecology, and culture in the development of civilizations. A materialist, he was particularly concerned with societies' ability to harness energy as an indicator of progress, and his empirical analysis of this equation covers a vast historical span. Fearlessly tackling the most fundamental questions of culture and society during the cold war, White was frequently a lightning rod both inside and outside the academy. His book will provoke equally potent debates today, and is a key component of any course or reading list in anthropological or archaeological theory and cultural ecology.

Author: Leslie A. White
ISBN-10: 1598741446
ISBN-13: 9781598741445
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 03/01/2007
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.13lbs
Size: 8.02h x 6.53w x 0.94d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2007 pg. 25