Author
Alfred C. (Alfred Cort) Haddon
1855-1940
Alfred C. (Alfred Cort) Haddon (1855-1940) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Alfred C. (Alfred Cort) Haddon
Evolution in Art: As Illustrated by the Life-histories of Designs
"Evolution in Art: As Illustrated by the Life-histories of Designs" by Alfred C. Haddon is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book explores the development of decorative art from a biological perspective, focusing particularly on the art of indigenous cultures, such as those found in British New Guinea. Haddon aims to study the individuality and life-histories of artistic designs, emphasizing that these designs evolve similarly to biological organisms through various stages of origin, growth, and decline. The opening of Haddon’s work presents a comprehensive introduction to his methodology and the foundational concepts guiding his study of art. He expresses gratitude to the various individuals and institutions that assisted him in compiling the data necessary for his research. Focusing on the artistic traditions of 'savage peoples', he outlines his intention to investigate the elements of decorative arts without being confined to aesthetic judgments. Haddon emphasizes that understanding the evolution of art requires examining simpler, less sophisticated forms of expression first, as he sets the stage to delve into the specific decorative art traditions of regions like British New Guinea. This thoughtful, analytical approach provides readers with insight into the intrinsic connections between art and the cultural contexts from which it arises.
Head-hunters, black, white, and brown
"Head-Hunters, Black, White, and Brown" by Alfred C. Haddon is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book documents the author’s anthropological and ethnological observations during his travels, particularly focusing on the cultures and customs of the Torres Straits Islanders and other indigenous communities in the region. Haddon emphasizes the importance of documenting the beliefs and rituals of these peoples, especially as traditional knowledge begins to fade with the passing of elder generations. The opening of the text details the journey of Haddon and his expedition team as they travel from Thursday Island to Murray Island in Torres Straits. Haddon describes the vibrant mix of cultures and the rapid changes in the local economy, influenced by the influx of Japanese workers. He recounts their tedious maritime journey to Murray Island, where the team is warmly welcomed by local chiefs and the schoolmaster. The careful observations set a foundation for Haddon’s anthropological inquiries into the customs, languages, and social structures of the islanders he intends to study during their stay.
History of anthropology
"History of Anthropology" by Alfred C. Haddon and A. Hingston Quiggin is a scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as one of the first attempts to chronicle the development of anthropology, exploring its various branches and the contributions of foundational figures in the field. The book likely addresses both the evolution of anthropological thought and the significant debates that have shaped the discipline over time. At the start of the book, the authors express their hesitance in presenting a comprehensive history of anthropology, acknowledging the vastness of the subject and the challenges inherent in selecting which key figures and concepts to include. They introduce the allegory of a waste lot transforming into a factory to illustrate the growth of anthropological knowledge from chaos to coherence. The opening portion also emphasizes the importance of both fieldwork and theoretical contributions, mentioning notable pioneers such as Aristotle, Hippocrates, and Vesalius who laid the groundwork for the scientific study of humanity. Their aim is to provide a structured overview while recognizing the complexities and ongoing debates within anthropology.
Magic and Fetishism
"Magic and Fetishism" by Alfred C. Haddon is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the anthropological and psychological aspects of magic and fetishism, exploring their significance in the context of human culture and belief systems. Haddon discusses various forms of magic, such as sympathetic and homoeopathic magic, and explains the role of fetishes as objects imbued with spiritual or magical significance. At the start of the book, Haddon acknowledges the challenge of adequately covering such a vast subject within the limited scope of a primer. He begins by outlining the concept of sympathetic magic, emphasizing its universal presence across cultures. He provides examples of contagious magic, where elements like hair or nails are believed to retain a connection to the individual. Haddon aims to illustrate how these beliefs persist even among modern societies, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the psychological and social functions of magic and fetishism throughout the text.