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Books From University Presses

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Social and Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction
New
John Monaghan, Peter Just  | Oxford University Press

Social and Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.68

$10.90

In stock: Very Good

This book takes anthropology off the high shelf and places it right in your hands. With Just and Monaghan, you'll dive into what makes us distinctly human and how our cultures shape us, all while getting glimpses of real fieldwork. Whether you're a student or just curious about the complexities of human societies, this book distills vast concepts into digestible insights that will broaden your perspective on what it means to be part of this global village.
Behold The Black Caiman - A Chronicle Of Ayoreo Life - Thryft
Lucas Bessire | University Of Chicago Press

Behold The Black Caiman - A Chronicle Of Ayoreo Life

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

91% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

Recommendation: - This powerful ethnography, "Behold the Black Caiman," takes readers on a poignant journey into the lives of the Ayoreo-speaking tribes in the Gran Chaco. Lucas Bessire presents a haunting account of their struggle to survive as modernity encroaches upon their ancestral lands. Through vivid storytelling and deep empathy, Bessire challenges prevailing notions of indigenous peoples, forcing us to confront the violence and discrimination they endure. A thought-provoking and urgent read for those interested in the resilience and moral dilemmas faced by marginalized communities.
Cupid's Arrow : The Course of Love through Time - Thryft
Robert J. Sternberg | Cambridge University Press

Cupid's Arrow : The Course of Love through Time

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

92% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

Cupid's Arrow presents a thought-provoking psychological approach to love, delving into the ways in which humans experience and perceive love, while offering interesting perspectives on the subject throughout history. Sternberg's triangular theory provides a unique perspective on the different types of love and how they interact with intimacy, passion, and commitment. With its well-researched content and relatable insights, this book is an excellent read for anyone exploring the boundaries of love and relationships.
A Movable Feast: Ten Millennia of Food Globalization
Kenneth F. Kiple | Cambridge University Press

A Movable Feast: Ten Millennia of Food Globalization

$18.90 $14.90 21% off

Goodreads rating: 3.42

$18.90 $14.90 21% off

72% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

As someone intrigued by both history and gastronomy, you'll find "A Movable Feast" a delightful blend of both worlds. Kenneth Kiple serves a rich course of facts and events that shaped the dining tables across centuries. This book offers more than a delicious peek into global food evolution; it's a thought-provoking discourse on the cultural, economic, and health implications food has had on humanity.
Cambodian Culture Since 1975: Homeland and Exile
Carol A. Mortland, May Mayko Ebihara, Judy Ledgerwood  | Cornell University Press

Cambodian Culture Since 1975: Homeland and Exile

$24.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$24.90

65% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to exploring the rich tapestry of cultural revival and transformation, this book promises a deep dive into Cambodian culture as it has evolved since the changes of 1975. It's poignant in its examination of traditional arts, religion, and the diaspora's efforts to maintain and adapt heritage in foreign lands. For anyone interested in the intersection of history, culture, and resilience, this compilation of essays offers enlightening perspectives that contribute to a broader understanding of a nation rebuilding its identity.
Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization
Stephen Russell, Nayan Chanda  | Yale University Press

Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization

$17.90 $13.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$17.90 $13.90 22% off

In stock: Very Good

If you find yourself curious about the forces that have stitched the fabric of our global society, "Bound Together" would be a treasure. Nayan Chanda takes you on an enlightening journey through time, illustrating how the ambitions and interactions of traders, preachers, warriors, and adventurers have forged the interconnected world we navigate today. It's a rich historical tapestry that provides context to the buzzword 'globalization,' adding depth to your understanding of our past and its impact on the future.
Music and Gender: Perspectives from the Mediterranean
Tullia Magrini | University Of Chicago Press

Music and Gender: Perspectives from the Mediterranean

$25.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$25.90

62% off est. retail

In stock: Like New

If you're fascinated by how culture shapes art, "Music and Gender" offers a compelling dive into the Mediterranean's musical tapestry through the lens of gender studies. It's not just about notes and rhythms; it's a journey into how music reflects, challenges, and shapes identities, bringing a scholarly but accessible exploration of sociology and ethnomusicology to your fingertips. This book could broaden your perspective on the power of music within different societies.
A History of Private Life: From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War
Georges Duby, Philippe Ariès  | Belknap Press: An Imprint Of Harvard University Press

A History of Private Life: From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$18.90

74% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're fascinated by the transformation of personal and social boundaries during a period of explosive change, 'A History of Private Life. 4 From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War' beckons you. Journey through a century’s milestones in individuality, domestic norms, and the reshaping of Western existence, laid out in rich detail by expert historians. This book would be like a time machine for someone who wants to understand the roots of contemporary private life and its interplay with public affairs right before the world-altering impact of the Great War.
Linguistic Evolution: With Special Reference to English
M.L. Samuels | Cambridge University Press

Linguistic Evolution: With Special Reference to English

$11.90 $9.90 17% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$11.90 $9.90 17% off

In stock: Well Read

If you're fascinated by language and its transformations over time, "Linguistic Evolution" can offer you an insightful exploration. Professor Samuels adeptly weaves through the complex theories of linguistic change, presenting a perspective that's not just academically rigorous but accessible for those intrigued by the English language's rich history. It's a thought-provoking read that sheds light on the dynamic nature of language itself.
The Dyirbal Language of North Queensland
R.M.W. Dixon | Cambridge University Press

The Dyirbal Language of North Queensland

$23.90 $15.90 33% off

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$23.90 $15.90 33% off

78% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

Learning about the Dyirbal language is like unearthing a hidden cultural treasure, providing an intimate glimpse into the ancient wisdom and beauty of the indigenous tribes of North Queensland. It's not just a linguistic journey, but a sobering look at the effects of colonization, viewed through the lens of language and cultural survival. You'll find yourself moved by the resilience and dignity of the people who speak it.
Architectural Principles in the Age of Historicism - Thryft
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Carroll William Westfall, Robert Jan Van Pelt  | Yale University Press

Architectural Principles in the Age of Historicism

$14.35

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$14.35

Out of stock

Explores the relationship between architectural history and the current practice of architecture. The authors draw on insights from anthropology, ancient history, theology, philosophy and the Holocaust. They also provide practical ideas which should help students build a more human world.
On the Origin of Species: A Facsimile of the First Edition - Thryft
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Charles Darwin | Harvard University Press

On the Origin of Species: A Facsimile of the First Edition

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$8.26

Out of stock

Imagine holding a piece of history that revolutionized our understanding of life's diversity. Reading Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' connects you directly with the moment a bold new idea took root. It's not just for scientists; it’s surprisingly digestible and maintains a raw clarity lost in later editions. Dive in, and you'll be engaging with the thoughts that shaped modern science.
Seeing Like a State : How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed - Thryft
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James C. Scott | Yale University Press

Seeing Like a State : How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

$8.31

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$8.31

Out of stock

This book provides a fascinating analysis of how state-led planning can lead to disastrous consequences. It highlights the importance of local knowledge and bottom-up approaches to problem-solving, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the limitations of top-down planning. With a clear and accessible writing style, Seeing Like a State offers an insightful critique of government-led initiatives and their impact on society and the environment.
The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia
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James C. Scott | Yale University Press

The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$11.90

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by the untold stories of people living on the fringes of society, "The Art of Not Being Governed" will be a revelation. It's not just a history book; it's an exploration of the human spirit's desire for autonomy. James C. Scott takes you on an odyssey through Zomia, introducing you to cultures that prioritized freedom over the constraints of statehood, a concept that challenges our understanding of civilization and governance. This book will shift your perspective and offer a deep dive into the lives of those who chose to exist outside the state's reach.
Seeing like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed - Thryft
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James C. Scott | Yale University Press

Seeing like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

$13.72

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$13.72

Out of stock

Compulsory ujamaa villages in Tanzania, collectivization in Russia, Le Corbusier’s urban planning theory realized in Brasilia, the Great Leap Forward in China, agricultural "modernization" in the Tropics—the twentieth century has been racked by grand utopian schemes that have inadvertently brought death and disruption to millions. Why do well-intentioned plans for improving the human condition go tragically awry?In this wide-ranging and original book, James C. Scott analyzes failed cases of large-scale authoritarian plans in a variety of fields. Centrally managed social plans misfire, Scott argues, when they impose schematic visions that do violence to complex interdependencies that are not—and cannot—be fully understood. Further, the success of designs for social organization depends upon the recognition that local, practical knowledge is as important as formal, epistemic knowledge. The author builds a persuasive case against "development theory" and imperialistic state planning that disregards the values, desires, and objections of its subjects. He identifies and discusses four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society by the state; a "high-modernist ideology" that places confidence in the ability of science to improve every aspect of human life; a willingness to use authoritarian state power to effect large- scale interventions; and a prostrate civil society that cannot effectively resist such plans.
The Consequences of Modernity
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Anthony Giddens | Stanford University Press

The Consequences of Modernity

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$13.90

Out of stock

If you're feeling a bit lost in today's fast-paced world, "The Consequences of Modernity" might shed some light on the situation for you. This book dives into how modern advancements have shaped society and our everyday experiences. It's a thought-provoking exploration that could give you a new perspective on the changes around you and possibly a better understanding of why we live the way we do now.
Biology and Ideology from Descartes to Dawkins - Thryft
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Ronald L. Numbers, Denis R. Alexander  | University Of Chicago Press

Biology and Ideology from Descartes to Dawkins

$8.60

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.60

Out of stock

Over the course of human history, the sciences, and biology in particular, have often been manipulated to cause immense human suffering. For example, biology has been used to justify eugenic programs, forced sterilization, human experimentation, and death camps—all in an attempt to support notions of racial superiority. By investigating the past, the contributors to Biology and Ideology from Descartes to Dawkins hope to better prepare us to discern ideological abuse of science when it occurs in the future.   Denis R. Alexander and Ronald L. Numbers bring together fourteen experts to examine the varied ways science has been used and abused for nonscientific purposes from the fifteenth century to the present day. Featuring an essay on eugenics from Edward J. Larson and an examination of the progress of evolution by Michael J. Ruse, Biology and Ideology examines uses both benign and sinister, ultimately reminding us that ideological extrapolation continues today. An accessible survey, this collection will enlighten historians of science, their students, practicing scientists, and anyone interested in the relationship between science and culture.
The Collapse of Complex Societies
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Joseph A. Tainter | Cambridge University Press

The Collapse of Complex Societies

$22.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$22.90

Out of stock

If you're fascinated by history and the ebb and flow of civilizations, "The Collapse of Complex Societies" could provide a thought-provoking analysis through its rigorous examination of different cultures. Joseph Tainter offers a unique perspective that's not just academic but also relevant to contemporary societal dynamics. It's a chance to understand the patterns that led to the downturns of some of the most intricate societies ever to exist.
Rise of the West : A History of the Human Community - Thryft
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Béla Petheö, William H. McNeill  | University Of Chicago Press

Rise of the West : A History of the Human Community

$6.47

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$6.47

Out of stock

The Rise of the West, winner of the National Book Award for history in 1964, is famous for its ambitious scope and intellectual rigor. In it, McNeill challenges the Spengler-Toynbee view that a number of separate civilizations pursued essentially independent careers, and argues instead that human cultures interacted at every stage of their history. The author suggests that from the Neolithic beginnings of grain agriculture to the present major social changes in all parts of the world were triggered by new or newly important foreign stimuli, and he presents a persuasive narrative of world history to support this claim. In a retrospective essay titled "The Rise of the West after Twenty-five Years," McNeill shows how his book was shaped by the time and place in which it was written (1954-63). He discusses how historiography subsequently developed and suggests how his portrait of the world's past in The Rise of the West should be revised to reflect these changes. "This is not only the most learned and the most intelligent, it is also the most stimulating and fascinating book that has ever set out to recount and explain the whole history of mankind. . . . To read it is a great experience. It leaves echoes to reverberate, and seeds to germinate in the mind."—H. R. Trevor-Roper, New York Times Book Review
The East Asian Region : Confucian Heritage and Its Modern Adaptation - Thryft
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Gilbert Rozman | Princeton University Press

The East Asian Region : Confucian Heritage and Its Modern Adaptation

$6.30

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$6.30

Out of stock

The contributors to this volume range over 2,000 years of history as they show how Confucian values spread throughout the region in premodern times and how these values were transformed in an age of modernization. The introduction by Gilbert Rozman discusses the special character of East Asia. In Part I Patricia Ebrey analyzes the Confucianization of China; JaHyun Kim Haboush, that of Korea; and Martin Collcutt, the much later diffusion of Confucianism in Japan. In Part II Rozman compares types of Confucianism in nineteenth-century China and Japan and their adaptability in the twentieth century, while Michael Robinson adds an overview of modern Korean perceptions of Confucianism.Originally published in 1990.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean: The Birth of Eurasia
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Barry Cunliffe | Oxford University Press

By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean: The Birth of Eurasia

$17.90

Goodreads rating: 4.3

$17.90

56% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're mesmerized by how our interconnected world came to be, "By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean" is your time machine. Barry Cunliffe takes you through a 10,000-year journey that stitches together the tapestry of human civilization. It's a read that's as vast as the Eurasian continent itself, revealing how geography shaped history and how distant cultures began threading into one another, leading to the complex global society we recognize today.
Fieldnotes : The Makings of Anthropology - Thryft
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Roger Sanjek | Cornell University Press

Fieldnotes : The Makings of Anthropology

$13.36

Goodreads rating: 3.54

$13.36

Out of stock

Thirteen distinguished anthropologists describe how they create and use the unique forms of writing they produce in the field. They also discuss the fieldnotes of seminal figures--Frank Cushing, Franz Boas, W. H. R. Rivers, Bronislaw Malinowski, and Margaret Mead--and analyze field writings in relation to other types of texts, especially ethnographies. Unique in conception, this volume contributes importantly to current debates on writing, texts, and reflexivity in anthropology.
Chinese Ritual And Politics - Thryft
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Emily Martin Ahern | Cambridge University Press

Chinese Ritual And Politics

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.25

$3.88

Out of stock

This book provides a fascinating insight into the intricate links between ritual and politics in China. Emily Ahern's research highlights the connection between ritual practices and political power, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Chinese history or anthropology.
How To Think Like a Neandertal - Thryft
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Frederick L. Coolidge, Thomas Wynn  | Oxford University Press

How To Think Like a Neandertal

$12.30

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$12.30

67% off est. retail

Out of stock

This book provides an intriguing look into the mental life and culture of Neanderthals. It explores their language abilities, complex technical skills, and hunting practices, giving readers insight into a long-vanished people. The book also draws comparisons to our own minds and culture, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in anthropology or psychology.
Albion's Seed : Four British Folkways in America - Thryft
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David Hackett Fischer | Oxford University Press

Albion's Seed : Four British Folkways in America

$13.10 $7.86 40% off

Goodreads rating: 4.36

$13.10 $7.86 40% off

97% off est. retail

Out of stock

Albion's Seed is a great read for a history enthusiast, particularly those interested in the formation of America's regional cultures. Fischer's work effectively outlines the folkways and cultural differences between early British settlers in America, and how they have persisted to varying degrees in different areas of the country. This book is a valuable resource for understanding American cultural history, and would be a particularly good fit for those studying the social sciences or anyone with a keen interest in American regionalism.
The Tibetan History Reader
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Gray Tuttle, Kurtis Schaeffer  | Columbia University Press

The Tibetan History Reader

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.7

$8.90

87% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by the intricacies of Tibet's evolution, this anthology is perfect for you. Compiled by experts, it gives a thorough view of Tibet's social, cultural, and political journey. From ancient times to modern-day transformations, it's an essential resource for anyone interested in Asian history or religious studies, providing a rich tapestry of this majestic region's past.
Curiosity - How Science Became Interested In Everything - Thryft
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Philip Ball | University Of Chicago Press

Curiosity - How Science Became Interested In Everything

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$6.34

Out of stock

Dive into the world of scientific curiosity with "Curiosity - How Science Became Interested In Everything." Philip Ball takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history and development of scientific inquiry, revealing how curiosity has shaped our understanding of the world. From ancient to modern times, this book delves into the inquisitive nature of scientists and the transformative power of curiosity. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the inner workings of scientific exploration, this book is a must-read for anyone eager to uncover the profound impact of curiosity on human knowledge.
Technics and Civilization - Thryft
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Langdon Winner, Lewis Mumford  | University Of Chicago Press

Technics and Civilization

$15.72

Goodreads rating: 4.31

$15.72

Out of stock

Recommendation: "Technics and Civilization" is an eye-opening, thought-provoking read that delves deep into the origins of modern technology. Lewis Mumford's in-depth research on the history of culture, philosophy, and science provides a unique perspective on the moral, economic, and political choices that have led to our present-day industrially-driven economy. This book is a must-read for those interested in understanding the impact of technology on society and how it continues to shape our world today.
A Various Universe : A Study of the Journals and Memoirs of British Men and Women in the Indian Subcontinent 1765-1856 - Thryft
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Ketaki Kushari Dyson | Oxford University Press

A Various Universe : A Study of the Journals and Memoirs of British Men and Women in the Indian Subcontinent 1765-1856

$2.92

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$2.92

Out of stock

In this book readers are invited to explore a fascinating but neglected field of English letters; the books written by British men and women about their experience in the Indian subcontinent. Over forty individual works are surveyed, covering the time period from when the East India Company began consolidating its powers to the eve of the Mutiny. The author balances generous excerpts from the original texts with her own exegeses to produce a work which offers rich insights to lay readers as well as to professional students of literature, history, sociology, anthropology, and travel writing.
The Oxford Companion to Beer
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Garrett Oliver, Tom Colicchio  | Oxford University Press

The Oxford Companion to Beer

$21.90 $16.90 23% off

Goodreads rating: 4.39

$21.90 $16.90 23% off

73% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you’ve found yourself fascinated by the frothy depths of a beer glass, The Oxford Companion to Beer could be your new best friend. Imagine an all-encompassing journey that not only dives into the beverage’s rich history but also explores the nuances that go into brewing it. Whether you're a casual sipper or a homebrew hero, this tome is like a beer festival in book form, serving up a world of knowledge with a side of cultural zest. Cheers to that!
Local Histories/Global Designs - Coloniality, Subaltern Knowledges, And Border Thinking - Thryft
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Walter D. Mignolo | Princeton University Press

Local Histories/Global Designs - Coloniality, Subaltern Knowledges, And Border Thinking

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.04

$3.88

Out of stock

This book is a must-read for those interested in understanding how Western colonial power has influenced social sciences and area studies. Mignolo's argument sheds light on the need to decolonize knowledge and to recognize the diverse and subaltern voices that have been historically silenced.
Other Tribes, Other Scribes: Symbolic Anthropology in the Comparative Study of Cultures, Histories, Religions and Texts
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James A. Boon | Cambridge University Press

Other Tribes, Other Scribes: Symbolic Anthropology in the Comparative Study of Cultures, Histories, Religions and Texts

$17.90 $14.90 17% off

Goodreads rating: 3.25

$17.90 $14.90 17% off

72% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're fascinated by how culture shapes our understanding of the world, "Other Tribes, Other Scribes" is a treasure trove. James A. Boon masterfully traces the lineage of thought behind interpreting symbolic behavior across societies. This book isn't just an academic read; it's an intellectual journey connecting anthropology, literature, and history, offering a fascinating collage of perspectives. Give it a read and see how the rich tapestry of human culture is pieced together by the minds that have studied it.
Asian Aesthetics - Thryft
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Ken-ichi Sasaki | National University Of Singapore Press

Asian Aesthetics

$11.54

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$11.54

Out of stock

This book would be a good read for those who are curious about the artistic traditions and aesthetics of various Asian cultures. Through expert analysis and insights from specialists in different fields, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the commonalities and distinctive features of Asian aesthetics. Whether you are passionate about art, interested in philosophy, or simply fascinated by different cultures, this book will take you on a journey to explore the rich and diverse world of Asian aesthetics.
The Darker Side of Western Modernity : Global Futures, Decolonial Options - Thryft
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Walter D. Mignolo | Duke University Press Books

The Darker Side of Western Modernity : Global Futures, Decolonial Options

$12.17

Goodreads rating: 4.26

$12.17

Out of stock

"The Darker Side of Western Modernity" argues that the world is undergoing a shift towards dewesternization and decoloniality, which require a break from the colonial matrix of Western power to imagine and create new global futures. This book will be relevant and enlightening for anyone interested in understanding the power structures that underlie Western modernity and the potential for a more equitable future.
The Living House: An Anthropology of Architecture in South-East Asia
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Roxana Waterson | Oxford University Press

The Living House: An Anthropology of Architecture in South-East Asia

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$12.90

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by how a region's culture can shape its architecture, "The Living House" offers a fascinating journey through the homes of South-East Asia. It champions the idea that these structures are not just buildings but are also a reflection of the lives and traditions of the people who inhabit them. This book is a beautiful convergence of anthropology and design, a narrative with the power to make you see buildings as breathing embodiments of culture.
The Sumerians - Thryft
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Samuel Noah Kramer | University Of Chicago Press

The Sumerians

$18.31

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$18.31

Out of stock

The Sumerians, the pragmatic and gifted people who preceded the Semites in the land first known as Sumer and later as Babylonia, created what was probably the first high civilization in the history of man, spanning the fifth to the second millenniums B.C. This book is an unparalleled compendium of what is known about them.Professor Kramer communicates his enthusiasm for his subject as he outlines the history of the Sumerian civilization and describes their cities, religion, literature, education, scientific achievements, social structure, and psychology. Finally, he considers the legacy of Sumer to the ancient and modern world.
The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times
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Adrienne Mayor | Princeton University Press

The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$14.90

44% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're fascinated by mythology and natural history, "The First Fossil Hunters" could be a treasure trove for you. Adrienne Mayor takes you on an intriguing journey, knitting together the ancient world's tales with concrete paleontological findings. It's a book that could change the way you look at myths, making you wonder at the possibility of truth being as compelling as fiction.
Clues, Myths, and the Historical Method - Thryft
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John Tedeschi, Carlo Ginzburg, Anne Tedeschi  | Johns Hopkins University Press

Clues, Myths, and the Historical Method

$9.52

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$9.52

73% off est. retail

Out of stock

Clues, Myths, and the Historical Method by Carlo Ginzburg could be a good read for those interested in exploring historical analysis in diverse methods and objects. The book delves into the works of an essential Italian historian and offers a fresh perspective in cultural studies. Users would appreciate the unique and distinctive feature of the author's approach to history through analyzing clues and myths.
House Home Family : Living and Being Chinese - Thryft
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Ronald G. Knapp | University Of Hawaii Press

House Home Family : Living and Being Chinese

$12.15

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$12.15

Out of stock

Drawing on the work of leading scholars in the fields of anthropology, architecture, art, art history, geography, and history, House Home Family explores and analyzes the functional, social, and symbolic attributes of Chinese dwellings. It goes beyond generalization to clarify the diverse nature of house, home, and family in China, exploring such topics as the Chinese garden as an integral part of living, house-building ritual and fengshui, architectural aesthetics, the inter-relatedness of furniture and architecture, preservation of historical structures, the structure and development of the family (jia), gender and household space, the role of lineage in the construction of ritual and social space, the function and meaning of the architectural division of space, and domestic space and privacy. The Chinese house, the elementary space in which a family lives and works, resonates the tensions between continuity and innovation that characterize China today. As a dynamic instrument of socialization and a domain of propriety, its "inner" and "outer" spaces as well as ornamentation and ritual helped shape the identity of the Chinese and simultaneously serve as a reflection of this identity. This inaugural volume in the series Spatial Making and Meaning in Asia’s Vernacular Architecture contains more than five hundred illustrations, most in color and including a number of rare drawings that demonstrate the richness of domestic architecture and living patterns in traditional and contemporary China. Through its exploration of how Chinese families are organized and why Chinese construct their living spaces the way they do, this carefully researched, convincingly argues, and refreshingly insightful book yields a deeper and wider understanding of what it means to live and be Chinese. Nancy Berliner, Maggie Bickford, Francesca Bray, Myron L. Cohen, David Faure, James Flath, Wen Fong, Puaypeng Ho, Nancy Jervis, Ronald G. Knapp, Cary Liu, Kai-Yin Lo, Nancy Shatzman Steinhardt, Joseph Wang, Yan Yunxiang.
On Human Nature - Thryft
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Edward O. Wilson | Harvard University Press

On Human Nature

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$8.26

Out of stock

This book is a fascinating exploration of the intricate interplay between nature and nurture in determining human behavior. Edward O. Wilson challenges prevailing misconceptions and dives deep into the realm of biology's influence on our actions. Through his insightful analysis, he presents a compelling argument for the sociobiological limitations that might shape our destiny as humans. If you are intrigued by the hidden forces that drive human behavior, this thought-provoking masterpiece is a must-read. Get ready to delve into a captivating journey that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be human.
Science : A Four Thousand Year History - Thryft
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Patricia Fara | Oxford University Press

Science : A Four Thousand Year History

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 3.7

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

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Recommendation: - This book offers a refreshing perspective on the history of science by focusing on the practical world rather than abstract theories. It reveals the true stories of real scientists, their mistakes, and their quest for success, challenging the notion of scientific supremacy. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the human side of scientific progress, this captivating journey through science's practical history is a must-read.
The East Asian Region : Confucian Heritage and Its Modern Adaptation - Thryft
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Gilbert Rozman | Princeton University Press

The East Asian Region : Confucian Heritage and Its Modern Adaptation

$9.00

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$9.00

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This book provides insight into the history and transformation of Confucian values in East Asia over the past 2,000 years. It is recommended for those with an interest in East Asian history and culture, specifically Confucianism, and how it has adapted in modern times. The book offers a broad historical context and expert analysis for readers to deepen their understanding of this complex topic.
Two Cheers for Anarchism : Six Easy Pieces on Autonomy, Dignity, and Meaningful Work and Play - Thryft
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James C. Scott | Princeton University Press

Two Cheers for Anarchism : Six Easy Pieces on Autonomy, Dignity, and Meaningful Work and Play

$11.12

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$11.12

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Two Cheers for Anarchism could be a good read for someone looking to challenge traditional structures of hierarchy. Scott offers a unique perspective on everyday social and political interactions that inspire readers to consider constructive anarchism. The book celebrates the ingenuity and judgement of individuals exercising their creative and moral capacities. Readers will enjoy relatable anecdotes and examples that touch on a wide range of subjects, including globalization, assembly-line production, and historical explanation.
Comparative Musicology and Anthropology of Music - Thryft
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Philip V. Bohlman, Bruno Nettl  | University Of Chicago Press

Comparative Musicology and Anthropology of Music

$24.10

Goodreads rating: 3.55

$24.10

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This book would be a valuable read for musicologists and ethnomusicologists who are interested in exploring the theoretical and methodological foundations of the discipline. It provides a critical analysis of the field's history and explores new directions in theory and analysis. Overall, this book is an enriching collection of articles that offers fascinating insights into the field of ethnomusicology.
Locating Southeast Asia : Geographies of Knowledge and Politics of Space - Thryft
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Henk Schulte Nordholt | Singapore University Press

Locating Southeast Asia : Geographies of Knowledge and Politics of Space

$9.20

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$9.20

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This book offers a multi-perspective understanding of Southeast Asia, highlighting the region's complex and diverse geographies, cultures, and politics. It provides valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and economic dimensions of Southeast Asia, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the region. The book's focus on different disciplinary perspectives and the significance of borders, transnational flows, and knowledge makes it unique and distinctive, contributing to a deeper understanding of this multifaceted region.
Challenging Cosmopolitanism : Coercion, Mobility and Displacement in Islamic Asia - Thryft
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R. Michael Feener, Joshua Gedacht  | Edinburgh University Press

Challenging Cosmopolitanism : Coercion, Mobility and Displacement in Islamic Asia

$28.17 $19.72 30% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$28.17 $19.72 30% off

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This book provides a critical perspective on Islamic cosmopolitanism, exploring its darker shades of power, violence, and economic control. Through new historical and ethnographic research, it contextualizes contemporary issues such as the global refugee crisis in relation to longer histories of Muslim mobility and coercion. A must-read for those interested in a nuanced understanding of Islamic cosmopolitanism.
Gathering Medicines: Nation and Knowledge in China’s Mountain South - Thryft
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Lili Lai, Judith Farquhar  | University Of Chicago Press

Gathering Medicines: Nation and Knowledge in China’s Mountain South

$17.11

Goodreads rating: 3.33

$17.11

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In the early 2000s, the central government of China encouraged all of the nation’s registered minorities to “salvage, sort, synthesize, and elevate” folk medical knowledges in an effort to create local health care systems comparable to the nationally supported institutions of traditional Chinese medicine. Gathering Medicines bears witness to this remarkable moment of knowledge development while sympathetically introducing the myriad therapeutic traditions of southern China.Over a period of six years, Judith Farquhar and Lili Lai worked with seven minority nationality groups in China’s southern mountains, observing how medicines were gathered and local healing systems codified. Gathering Medicines shares their intimate view of how people understand ethnicity, locality, the body, and nature. This ethnography of knowledge diversities in multiethnic China is a testament to the rural wisdom of mountain healers, one that theorizes, from the ground up, the dynamic encounters between formal statist knowledge and the popular authority of the wild.
Tensions of Empire : Colonial Cultures in a Bourgeois World - Thryft
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Frederick Cooper, Ann Laura Stoler  | University Of California Press

Tensions of Empire : Colonial Cultures in a Bourgeois World

$14.22

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$14.22

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Starting with the premise that Europe was made by its imperial projects as much as colonial encounters were shaped by events and conflicts in Europe, the contributors to Tensions of Empire investigate metropolitan-colonial relationships from a new perspective. The fifteen essays demonstrate various ways in which "civilizing missions" in both metropolis and colony provided new sites for clarifying a bourgeois order. Focusing on the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, they show how new definitions of modernity and welfare were developed and how new discourses and practices of inclusion and exclusion were contested and worked out. The contributors argue that colonial studies can no longer be confined to the units of analysis on which it once relied; instead of being the study of "the colonized," it must account for the shifting political terrain on which the very categories of colonized and colonizer have been shaped and patterned at different times.
The Hunting Apes - Meat Eating And The Origins Of Human Behavior - Thryft
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Craig Stanford | Princeton University Press

The Hunting Apes - Meat Eating And The Origins Of Human Behavior

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.58

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

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Recommendation: The Hunting Apes argues that meat eating drove human evolution, making it a must-read for those interested in anthropology, human biology, and nutrition. The book details the social significance of meat-sharing and consumption, making it a fascinating exploration of the origins and behavior of the human species.
Maps of Time : An Introduction to Big History - Thryft
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David Christian, William H. McNeill  | University Of California Press

Maps of Time : An Introduction to Big History

$13.77

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$13.77

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"Maps of Time" is a must-read for anyone interested in an overview of the interconnectivity of the universe - from the origins of the Big Bang to present-day environmental concerns. David Christian's narrative style presents a comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of Big History while maintaining attention to detail. This book combines cosmology, geology, archeology, and population and environmental studies to present world history in a relatable and fascinating way.