The Gift: The Form and Reason for Exchange in Archaic Societies

Routledge, London, 1997. Reprint. Softcover. Very Good Condition. translated by W. D. Halls; foreword by Mary Douglas; Marcel Mauss was a French sociologist and anthropologist. His work profoundly influenced the field of anthropology with respect to topics such as magic, sacrifice, and gift exchange in primitive cultures. A brilliant example of the comparative method, 'The Gift' presents the first systematic study of the custom - -widespread in primitive societies from ancient Rome to present-day Melanesia - -of exchanging gifts. The gift is a perfect example of what Mauss calls a total social phenomenon, since it involves legal, economic, moral, religious, aesthetic, and other dimensions. He sees the gift exchange as related to individuals and groups as much as to the objects themselves, and his analysis calls into question the social conventions and economic systems that had been taken for granted for so many years. In a modern translation, introduced by distinguished anthropologist Mary Douglas, The Gift is essential reading for students of social anthropology and sociology. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. xviii + 164. Text contains marks and notes scattered throughout, in pencil. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. no Dust Jacket as published.. White titles spine. Includes indexes of names & subject plus an extensive notes section. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 500 grams. Category: Anthropology; Indigenous Cultures; Social Anthropology; Primitive Societies; Sociology & Culture. ISBN: 041504488X. ISBN/EAN: 9780415044882. Inventory No: 4394. . 9780415044882