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Anthropology

Explore books in the Anthropology category

44 books in this category

Who We Are and How We Got Here

Who We Are and How We Got Here

David Reich

Explores human history through genetic research, revealing insights about ancient migrations and the mixing of populations.

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Sex at Dawn

Sex at Dawn

Christopher Ryan

Explores the evolutionary biology of human sexuality, challenging conventional views on monogamy and relationships.

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The Old Way

The Old Way

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

A study of the lives of the Kalahari Bushmen, examining the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and its relevance to human evolution.

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The Storytelling Animal

The Storytelling Animal

Jonathan Gottschall

Explores the human inclination for storytelling and its impact on culture, psychology, and evolution.

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Nonzero

Nonzero

Robert Wright

Argues that human history and evolution are shaped by cooperative (nonzero-sum) interactions that drive cultural and biological development.

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Fingerprints of the Gods

Fingerprints of the Gods

Graham Hancock

A controversial exploration of ancient civilizations, proposing alternative theories on human history and archaeology.

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The Cosmic Serpent

The Cosmic Serpent

Jeremy Narby

Explores the intersection of science and indigenous knowledge, theorizing that DNA may be connected to human consciousness.

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Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World

Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World

Rene Girard

Explores Girard’s theories on mimetic desire, scapegoating, and the origins of human culture.

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The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross

The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross

John M. Allegro

Explores theories about early Christianity and the possible role of psychedelic mushrooms in religious rituals.

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The Immortality Key

The Immortality Key

Brian C. Muraresku

Explores the theory that psychedelics played a role in the origins of Christianity and other ancient religions.

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The WEIRDest People in the World

The WEIRDest People in the World

Joseph Henrich

Examines how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies shaped human psychology and culture.

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The Geography of Madness

The Geography of Madness

Frank Bures

Explores culturally specific mental disorders and beliefs around the world, examining how culture impacts psychology.

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The Evolution of Human Sexuality

The Evolution of Human Sexuality

Donald Symons

Examines human sexual behavior from an evolutionary perspective, exploring biological and psychological factors.

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The Continuum Concept

The Continuum Concept

Jean Liedloff

Advocates for a parenting philosophy inspired by indigenous cultures, emphasizing natural and instinctive childcare practices.

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The Rites of Passage

The Rites of Passage

Arnold van Gennep

A classic study on rituals and ceremonies that mark life’s transitions, from birth to death.

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Against the Grain

Against the Grain

James C. Scott

Challenges conventional views of civilization, suggesting that early societies may have intentionally resisted state formation.

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Born to Run

Born to Run

Christopher McDougall

Explores the culture of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico and their legendary endurance running abilities, promoting barefoot running.

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The Tiger

The Tiger

John Vaillant

Chronicles the story of a Siberian tiger and the manhunt to capture it, exploring the relationship between humans and nature.

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The Story of the Human Body

The Story of the Human Body

Daniel Lieberman

Explores human evolution and how modern lifestyles contribute to chronic health issues.

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The 10,000 Year Explosion

The 10,000 Year Explosion

Gregory Cochran

Proposes that human evolution has accelerated in recent history, influenced by environmental and cultural factors.

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Children of Ash and Elm

Children of Ash and Elm

Neil S. Price

A history of the Vikings, exploring their society, culture, and influence on Europe.

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Food of the Gods

Food of the Gods

Terence McKenna

Explores the relationship between humans and psychoactive plants, arguing for their cultural significance.

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A History of the World in 100 Objects

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Neil MacGregor

A narrative history told through a collection of 100 objects from various cultures and time periods.

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The World Until Yesterday

The World Until Yesterday

Jared Diamond

Compares traditional societies with modern ones, analyzing what we can learn from past practices.

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The Teachings of Don Juan

The Teachings of Don Juan

Carlos Castaneda

A controversial book on shamanism and spiritual experiences, based on Castaneda’s time with a Yaqui sorcerer.

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The Harmless People

The Harmless People

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

Describes Thomas’s experiences living among the San people of the Kalahari Desert.

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Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches

Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches

Marvin Harris

Explores cultural phenomena through the lens of anthropology and societal needs.

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Shamanism

Shamanism

Mircea Eliade

Examines shamanistic practices around the world and their role in various cultures.

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Plants of the Gods

Plants of the Gods

Richard Evans Schultes

Explores the cultural and spiritual significance of psychoactive plants.

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The Way of the Animal Powers

The Way of the Animal Powers

Joseph Campbell

Examines myths and symbols related to animal powers across cultures.

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Shamanism & the Sacred Cactus

Shamanism & the Sacred Cactus

Douglas Sharon

Explores shamanic traditions in Mexico, particularly with peyote rituals.

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Pharmacotheon

Pharmacotheon

Jonathan Ott

A study of psychoactive plants and their cultural significance.

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Magic Mushrooms Around the World

Magic Mushrooms Around the World

Jochen Gartz

Explores the history, use, and cultural significance of psychedelic mushrooms.

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The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time

Carlos Castaneda

A collection of Castaneda's teachings on shamanism and spiritual journeying.

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Stone Age Economics

Stone Age Economics

Marshall Sahlins

A study of the economic systems in prehistoric societies, challenging assumptions about “primitive” life.

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Civilized to Death

Civilized to Death

Christopher Ryan

Examines how modern civilization affects human well-being, questioning if it’s better than the lives of our ancestors.

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Born to Run

Born to Run

Bruce Springsteen

Explores the culture of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico and their legendary endurance running abilities, promoting barefoot running.

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The Dawn of Language

The Dawn of Language

Sverker Johansson

Explores the origins and development of human language.

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The Road to Eleusis

The Road to Eleusis

R. Gordon Wasson

Exploration of the role of psychedelics in ancient religious rituals.

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The Psychedelic Journey of Marlene Dobkin de Rios

The Psychedelic Journey of Marlene Dobkin de Rios

Marlene Dobkin de Rios Ph.D.

Study of shamanism and psychedelic experiences.

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The Third Chimpanzee

The Third Chimpanzee

Jared Diamond

Explores human evolution, behavior, and cultural practices.

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Black Athena

Black Athena

Martin Bernal

Explores African and Semitic influences on ancient Greece.

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Catching Fire

Catching Fire

Richard Wrangham

Exploration of how cooking food influenced human evolution.

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The Interpretation of Cultures

The Interpretation of Cultures

Clifford Geertz

Seminal work on anthropology and understanding cultural symbols.

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