The Rise of Anthropological Theory

A History of Theories of Culture

Author: Marvin Harris

This text traces the history of anthropology and anthropological theory, and argues for the use of a scientific, behavioural-based approach to the understanding of human culture known as cultural materialism.

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Originally published in 1968 this edition has been updated and expanded. This text traces the history of anthropology and anthropological theory, and argues for the use of a scientific, behavioural-based approach to the understanding of human culture known as cultural materialism.

About the Author

Harris operated a Yellow Cab Company in Durham, North Carolina for over 25 years. They then bought an Airstream trailer and traveled for 25 years.

More on this Book

The best known, most often cited history of anthropological theory is finally available in paperback! First published in 1968, Harris's book has been cited in over 1,000 works and is one of the key documents explaining cultural materialism, the theory associated with Harris's work. This updated edition included the complete 1968 text plus a new introduction by Maxine Margolis, which discusses the impact of the book and highlights some of the major trends in anthropological theory since its original publication. RAT, as it is affectionately known to three decades of graduate students, comprehensively traces the history of anthropology and anthropological theory, culminating in a strong argument for the use of a scientific, behaviorally-based, etic approach to the understanding of human culture known as cultural materialism. Despite its popularity and influence on anthropological thinking, RAT has never been available in paperback_until now. It is an essential volume for the library of all anthropologists, their graduate students, and other theorists in the social sciences.