Anthropology for Dummies, 2nd Edition

By: Cameron M. Smith PhD

Narrated by: Christopher Douyard

Anthropology is the organized study of what makes humans human. It takes an objective step back to ask questions like: Given our common characteristics, why aren't all of us exactly the same? And how can knowing the reasons behind our differences - as well as our similarities - teach us useful lessons for the future? The updated edition of Anthropology for Dummies gives you a panoramic view of the fascinating fieldwork and theory that seeks to answer these questions - and helps you view the human world through impartial, anthropological eyes.

Anthropology for Dummies explores the four main subdivisions of the discipline, from the adventurous Indiana Jones territory of archaeology and the hands-on biological insights provided by our physical nature to the studious book-cracking brainwork of cultural and linguistic investigation.

• Explore the history of anthropology and apply its methods.
• Get a deep, scientific take on contemporary debates such as identity.
• Excavate the human past through new fossil discoveries.
• Peer into humanity's future in space.

This is the perfect introduction to humanity's past and present - and a clue to what we need to build a better future.

©2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (P)2021 Tantor

Very Useful

This is an extremely useful and very practical book.

it is packed with great resources and useful references.

Overall Good Intro to Anthropology

I've become something of an amateur cultural anthropology enthusiast over the years and often wonder about the science of how societies come to be the way they are. Why are some societies harsh on criminals and others lenient? Why do some give roughly equal rights to women and others the complete opposite? How can we better understand the other POV when we see a cultural practice that we don't like? When and how should we make moral judgements about other cultural practices? Is there some "ideal" societal state to which all peoples on the globe should be aiming? And why can't we all just get along?

The author does a good job of traversing these questions, cites anthropological research, and generally leaves you curious to dive deeper into these big issues. He also describes how good anthropological field research (e.g. living with a group of the people you're studying) should be done. It was interesting even though I don't plan on becoming an actual anthropologist.

I was a little bit disappointed to hear the author reference a few times the inaccurate claim that humans in past eras "died a natural death at about 40". It's well documented that humans even in ancient times *could* live to about the same lifespan as we do today. The issue is that people in the past were more likely to prematurely die from disease, starvation, war, occupational hazards, etc, and infant mortality was shockingly high. This bumped the average lifespan way down (if you know how averages are computed, this makes perfect sense). It doesn't mean that the average person would be grey and hunchbacked at age 40.

Other than that small gripe, I enjoyed this book, and it showed me a lot of new ways to think about the fascinating multitude of "ways to be human". You'll get a lot out of this whether you're an anthropology student or an enthusiast.

Excellent for anthro students

I really enjoyed this book! As an undergraduate anthropology student, this is a great overview of the field that zooms in on the key elements of each area. It's written differently than a textbook, which can be difficult to digest, and the narrator keeps it conversational and easy to listen to. I've already recommended it!

Up to date, friendly and comprehensive

A very comprehensive and systematized introduction to the field of anthropology. With good humor and a broad domain of knowledge, Professor Smith manages to simplify the most complex topics. The only flaw is the lack of a pdf supplement with the illustrations, which are frequently cited in the text.

Great Free Book, but...

This book is about 10-15 behind the science. The author is unaware that Genetic research has proven that all non Sub-Saharan Africans have small traces of Neanderthal DNA. We also know now that some people have DNA from other archaic humans, so yes, we interbred with them.