Culture and History Prolegomena to the Comparative Study of Civilizations

Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1963. Second Printing . Mass Market Paperback. Very Good. 244 Pages Indexed. First Paper-bound Edition. Minor cover edge and corner wear and shelf scuffing. Some pages have some very light, barely perceptible, age-tanning A Two inch crease to back bottom corner Is a systematic and rational understanding of historical phenomena possible? Are the fluctuations of history too immense and too irregular ever to submit to the rule of law? By what the author regards as a fortunate historical conjecture, he has found in the conceptual framework of anthropology a set of methods which may help to achieve a new and more precise study of history. He applies the techniques of anthropologists, with some refinements and modifications, in an analysis of nine major civilizations. This is a very able book and an important one, not only for what it achieves but for the prospects of further achievement that it opens up. A refreshing, stimulating approach to the study of history. -- From the back cover.