The Best Anthropology Books to Read Right Now

1. Guns, Germs And Steel by Jared Diamond

This groundbreaking book by Jared Diamond is a must-read for anyone interested in anthropology, history, and cultural geography. It attempts to explain why some societies prosper while others fail, using geographical and environmental factors as its main explanation. Diamond’s work is an accessible and fascinating account of human history, and will leave you with a new appreciation for the influences that shape our world.

2. The Origin Of Species by Charles Darwin

It might seem surprising that a book on biology would be a must-read for anyone interested in anthropology, but The Origin of Species is just that. This timeless classic describes Darwin’s theory of evolution, which transformed the way we understand the natural world and our place in it. Even today, it remains one of the most influential books ever written, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the development of human society over time.

3. The Social Construction Of Reality by Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann

In this seminal text on social theory, Berger and Luckmann explore how we create and maintain our shared social reality through everyday interactions. Drawing heavily on anthropology, the book examines the ways that our understanding of the social world is shaped by cultural beliefs and practices. Although the text is dense and academic, it remains one of the most important works in sociology and anthropology, making it a must-read for anyone with an interest in these fields.

4. Coming Of Age In Samoa by Margaret Mead

This classic work of anthropology was first published in 1928, and remains a fascinating account of the coming-of-age rituals of Samoan girls. Mead’s work challenged the assumptions of her time, which held that human nature was fixed and unalterable, by proving that cultural practices shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Highly recommended due to its eloquent prose and insightful analysis of cultural differences, it’s a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the world.

5. Patterns of Culture by Ruth Benedict

By examining three diverse cultures – those of the Pueblos, the Kwakiutl, and the Dobu – in Patterns of Culture, Ruth Benedict revealed the astonishing diversity of human society. Her book focused on how a society’s worldview can shape and reflect its basic social practices, and remains an influential account of anthropology and cultural anthropology. It’s a wonderful and engaging read, and one of the foundational texts of the field that is overflowing in rich and insightful content.

The Wrap Up

Anthropology has always been a fascinating subject contributing a lot to the society’s perspective and its development. The above mentioned books are some of the most compelling yet informative work expected to make a definite contribution to the curious mind that inquires the variables in building up the practice of human behaviour, norms and culture.