Understanding Culture: An Introduction to Anthropological Theory

It strikes me as paradoxical that the best works on a subject are often among the shortest. One would expect a lengthy treatment of anthropological theory to do it justice but, in the case of Salzman's book, one is provided an excellent survey of the basic (and always relevant) theories in just 142 pages. The writing is so elegant and unpretentious that it can be read in just 2-3 sittings. This book is an ideal work for undergrads and grad students as well as anyone who has an interest in anthropology. In fact, I would recommend this text before reading too many other works since with this theoretical background you can better situate a particular ethnography and understand its theoretical significance. This is a really good one to read in conjunction with Eriksen and Nielsen's, A History Of Anthropology (Anthropology, Culture and Society). Again, I would suggest reading this one before the history since it provides such a good overview of the intellectual arguments that have shaped the history of the field. Understanding Culture has 8 chapters, a glossary, brief biographies of the major theorists, suggestions for further reading, references, and an index. The eighth chapter, "Reflections on Anthropological Theory," in which Salzman reviews the major theories in a fast and poignant way that ties the whole text together, is worth the price of the book. I look forward to reviewing these concise and argument-rich synopses time and again.

This little book is a gem. For years, Kaplan and Manners' CULTURE THEORY was my guide for a quick, unbiased overview of anthropological theory. K & M, while still useful, sorely needs an update. Waveland Press (which also published CULTURE THEORY), scores again with Salzman's UNDERSTANDING CULTURE. There's a lot to like about this book.Salzman offers a fresh and eminently readable commentary on the full breadth of anthropological theory, including the most current theorists. Students and professors alike will find the author's discussion of the different ways that "theory" can be conceptualized helpful. The glossary of terms and brief biographies of anthropologists add a nice touch, too. This book is a "must have" for both the casual and academic reader.

Philip Salzman provides a lively and accessible survey of current anthropological theory, which will be useful to students and practising social scientists alike who wish to update their knowledge of the current, controversial state of anthropological theory. Salzman's final chapter catches the state of debate more successfully than any other work I know and brings this concise but highly informative survey to a wise and sensible conclusion, as might be expected of the author of Black Tents of Baluchistan. The book's succinctness and attractive style render it highly accessible to a wide readership.