Series in Anthropology
Books in Anthropology
A Short History of Medicine
In this lively, learned, and wholly engrossing volume, F. González-Crussi presents a brief yet authoritative five-hundred-year history of the science, the philosophy, and the controversies of modern medicine. While this illuminating work mainly explores Western medicine over the past five centuries, González-Crussi also describes how modern medicine’s roots extend to both Greco-Roman antiquity and Eastern medical traditions. Covered here in engaging detail are the birth of anatomy and the practice of dissections; the transformation of surgery from a gruesome art to a sophisticated medical specialty; a short history of infectious diseases; the evolution of the diagnostic process; advances in obstetrics and anesthesia; and modern psychiatric therapies and the challenges facing organized medicine today. González-Crussi’s approach to these and other topics stems from his professed belief that the history of medicine isn’t just a continuum of scientific achievement but is deeply influenced by the personalities of the men and women who made or implemented these breakthroughs. And, as we learn, this field’s greatest practitioners were, like the rest of us, human beings with flaws, weaknesses, and limitations–including some who were scoundrels. Insightful, informed, and at times controversial in its conclusions, A Short History of Medicine offers an exceptional introduction to the major and many minor facets of its subject. Written by a renowned author and educator, this book gives us the very essence of humankind’s search to mitigate suffering, save lives, and unearth the mysteries of the human animal. Praise for F. González-Crussi “What Oliver Sacks does for the mind, González-Crussi [does] for the eye in this captivating set of philosophical meditations on the relationship between the viewer and the viewed.” –Publishers Weekly , on On Seeing “[González-Crussi fuses] science, literature, and personal history into highly civilized artifacts.” – The Washington Post, on There Is a World Elsewhere
Astronomy in the Ancient World
Alexus McLeod explores every aspect of the lesser-known history of astronomy in the Americas (Mesoamerica and North America), China and India, each through the frame of a particular astronomical phenomena. Part One considers the development of astronomy in the Americas as a response, in part, to the Supernova of 1054, which may have led to a cultural renaissance in astronomy. He then goes on to explore the contemporary understanding of supernovae, contrasting it with that of the ancient Americas. Part Two is framed through the appearances of great comets, which had major divinatory significance in early China. The author discusses the advancement of observational astronomy in China, its influence on politics and its role in the survival or failure of empires. Furthermore, the contemporary understanding of comets is also discussed for comparison. Part Three, on India, considers the magnificent observatories of the Rajput king Jai Singh II, and the question of their purpose. The originsof Indian astronomy are examined in Vedic thought and its development is followed through the period of Jai Singh, including the role played by solar eclipses. The author also includes a modern explanation of our understanding of eclipses to date. In the final section of the book, McLeod discusses how ancient traditions might help modern civilization better understand Earth’s place in the cosmos.
Birthdays: Beyond Cake and Ice Cream
Inspired by memories of fantastic family birthday parties, mother-and-daughter team Nikki Tate and Dani Tate-Stratton researched the history of birthdays in order to answer such questions as, How much does where you grow up influence the way you celebrate getting a year older? Have people always celebrated birthdays? The more they investigated, the more they realized that there's a lot more to birthdays than cake, presents, a few games and perhaps a goody bag. They discovered there are as many ways to observe birthdays as there are places in which to do it.
Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone
From its beginnings as a farming celebration marking the end of winter to its current role as a global party featuring good food, lots of gifts and public parades, Chinese New Year is a snapshot of Chinese culture. Award-winning author and broadcaster Jen Sookfong Lee recalls her childhood in Vancouver and weaves family stories into the history, traditions and evolution of Chinese New Year. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs throughout.
Christmas: From Solstice to Santa
Christmas is a popular holiday celebrated by people all over the world. This informative and engaging exploration of Christmas is aimed at the middle grades but will entertain readers of a much wider age range. Learn about the games played, foods eaten, music played and favorite ways of decorating in different parts of the world. With lots of fun facts (about everything from frumenty to the jolly old man in red himself) and recipes, there's plenty in this beautifully illustrated volume to satisfy anyone with an interest in the festive season.
Days of the Dead
Describes the origin and meaning of the Mexican festival of the Days of the Dead, and shows how it is observed by one peasant family
Explore Ancient Chinese Myths!
Who is the lady who floated to the moon? Did a monkey really hatch from an egg? Did tears bring down the Great Wall of China? Does the sky rest on the legs of a turtle? In Explore Ancient Chinese Myths! With 25 Projects, readers ages 7 to 10 soar on a journey through ancient China to learn about history, geography, science, and art through stories that have been told and retold for thousands of years. They learn the tales of past heroes and wise kings, brave goddesses and gods who brought riches, rain, and immortality. Then there are the gods who taught people how to live by sharing their knowledge of agriculture, writing, music, and math. The myths and legends told by the ancient Chinese that have survived into modern times showcase the ingenuity and passion that this culture has applied to problem solving and cultural expression. Through the 25 hands-on projects, kids will have fun and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Chinese myths. Projects include making mooncakes, writing in Chinese, designing a New Year’s story board game, and observing the stars. Exploring myths and legends is also a way to discover how ancient China is still impacting the world today through inventions such as fireworks, silk, paper, and printing. In addition, kids will be invited to think about how Chinese culture is similar or different from their life today. By combining social studies and literature with activities, fun facts, jokes, and cartoons, Explore Ancient Chinese Myths offers the opportunity to discover Ancient China through myths and legends.
Explore Ancient Egypt!
Pyramids, mummies, amulets, temples, and pharaohs— Explore Ancient Egypt! brings this fascinating civilization to young readers ages 6–9 with 25 hands-on projects, activities, and games. Kids learn about ancient Egyptian homes, food, money, toys, games, makeup, clothes, kings, mummies, and more. Projects are easy to follow and require primarily common household products and very little adult supervision. Activities range from making a scarab necklace to writing in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and making King Tut sandals. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore Ancient Egypt! in this accessible introduction to an incredible, ancient world.
Explore Ancient Greece!
Investigate the fascinating civilization of ancient Greece through 25 hands-on projects and activities for young readers ages 6-9. Kids learn about ancient Greek homes, food, playtime, clothing, conquests, arts and entertainment, gods, and more. Activities range from fashioning a model oil lamp from clay to building a courtyard column and constructing a flipbook sailing ship. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, fun facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore Ancient Greece! and develop an understanding of how this ancient civilization still influences our modern world.
Explore Ancient Rome!
Investigate the fascinating civilization of ancient Rome through 25 hands-on projects and activities for young readers ages 69. Kids learn about ancient Roman homes, food, playtime, clothing, conquests, gods, entertainment, and more. Activities range from creating an amphora and making a tunic to baking bread and hosting a Roman feast. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, fun facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore Ancient Rome! and develop an understanding of how this ancient civilization laid the foundation of our modern world.
Explore Greek Myths!
Architecture, democracy, the Olympics—the modern world owes a lot to the ancient Greeks! In Explore Greek Myths! With 25 Great Projects , readers embark on a fascinating journey to explore the myths that infused ancient Greek culture, civilization, and innovation. Readers will learn how these myths, popular more than 3,000 years ago, have provided fundamental support to today's art, architecture, mathematics, science, philosophy, literature, and government. Readers will read about the adventures of many Greek gods, such as Zeus, who could throw lightning bolts and Athena, who personally protected the city of Athens. Readers will also meet great heroes, including the mighty Heracles, Perseus, who freed a princess chained to a rock, and Odysseus, who battled with a one-eyed giant called a Cyclopes. These characters and creatures serve to both entertain and offer lessons in morality, while also explaining the natural phenomenon that the ancient Greeks had no scientific explanation for. The lively text, surprising fun facts, jokes, and colorful illustrations encourage children to explore Greek mythology and make connections to our modern culture and language. Hands-on activities include making a topographical map of ancient Greece and designing Greek columns, while links to online primary sources encourage readers to explore the topic independently.
Explore Native American Cultures!
Explore Native American Cultures! with 25 Great Projects introduces readers to seven main Native American cultural regions, from the northeast woodlands to the Northwest tribes. It encourages readers to investigate the daily activitiesincluding the rituals, beliefs, and longstanding traditionsof America’s First People. Where did they live? How did they learn to survive and build thriving communities? This book also investigates the negative impact European explorers and settlers had on Native Americans, giving readers a glimpse into the complicated history of Native Americans. Readers will enjoy the fascinating stories about America’s First People as leaders, inventors, diplomats, and artists. To enrich the historical information, hands-on activities bring to life each region’s traditions, including region-specific festivals, technology, and art. Readers can learn Native American sign language and create a salt dough map of the Native American regions. Each project is outlined with clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams, and requires minimal adult supervision.