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Prehistoric peoples Books
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Edward B. (Edward Burnett) Tylor
Primitive culture, vol. 1 (of 2) : $b Researches into the development of mythology, philosophy, religion, language, art, and custom
"Primitive culture, vol. 1 (of 2): Researches into the development of…" by Edward Burnett Tylor is an anthropological work published in 1871. Tylor examines the relationship between "primitive" and "civilized" societies, proposing evolutionary stages of human development from savagery to civilization. Drawing on 19th-century ethnological theories, he explores cultural progress and development across different societies. His controversial framework, which viewed tribal societies as lower stages of civilization, shaped early anthropological thought but is now generally considered unsubstantiated by modern scholars.
Edward Westermarck
The origin and development of the moral ideas
"The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas" by Edward Westermarck is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the emotional basis of moral judgments and concepts like right, wrong, and duty, examining the psychological and cultural factors influencing moral opinions across different societies. Westermarck aims to provide insights into moral consciousness by analyzing the roots of morality rather than establishing a definitive ethical guideline. The opening of the text introduces Westermarck's motivation for writing, stemming from a discussion about moral treatment of individuals with differing ethical views. He expresses curiosity about the origins of varying moral ideas, leading to his extensive research over many years. The first chapter delves into the emotional origins of moral judgments, arguing that these judgments are ultimately expressions of emotions—namely, disapproval and approval. Westermarck promotes the idea that moral concepts are generalizations of tendencies to elicit emotional responses, positioning moral psychology as the crux of ethical discourse.
Friedrich Engels
The origin of the family, private property, and the state
"The origin of the family, private property, and the state" by Friedrich Engels is an anthropological treatise published in 1884. Drawing on Karl Marx's notes and Lewis H. Morgan's research on ancient societies, Engels examines how human social organization evolved through distinct historical stages. The work explores the transition from matrilineal clans and primitive communism to patriarchal structures, arguing that the rise of private property fundamentally altered family dynamics and gender relations. Engels presents this shift as a pivotal transformation in human history, connecting economic developments with changes in power and social structure.
Edward B. (Edward Burnett) Tylor
Primitive culture, vol. 2 (of 2) : $b Researches into the development of mythology, philosophy, religion, language, art, and custom
"Primitive Culture, vol. 2 (of 2): Researches into the development of…" by Edward Burnett Tylor is an anthropological work published in 1871. Tylor examines the relationship between "primitive" and "civilized" societies, a central debate in 19th-century anthropology. Drawing on evolutionist theories, he explores stages of human development from savagery to civilization. While influenced by contemporaries like Lewis Henry Morgan, Tylor develops his own perspective through "Prichardian Ethnological Monogenism." His conclusions, though influential in their time, are now considered unsubstantiated by modern anthropologists.
Emory Adams Allen
The Prehistoric World; Or, Vanished Races
"The Prehistoric World; Or, Vanished Races" by Emory Adams Allen is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. This work aims to explore and explain the life and times of prehistoric humanity as inferred from archaeological evidence, covering both the Old and New Worlds and considering various ancient civilizations, including those in Mexico and the Pacific Isles. At the start of the book, the author introduces the complexities and mysteries surrounding the study of prehistoric man, discussing the limitations of historical records and the importance of gathering evidence from archaeological findings to understand humanity’s distant past. Allen emphasizes the necessity of scientific inquiry and methodology in reconstructing history while advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of man's long existence on Earth, marked by gradual advancements in culture and civilization. He reviews the geological epochs correspondingly, linking them to the development of life on Earth and setting the stage for an in-depth examination of prehistoric societies that once thrived across the globe.
Lewis Henry Morgan
Ancient society : $b or, Researches in the lines of human progress from savagery, through barbarism to civilization
"Ancient Society: or, Researches in the lines of human progress from savagery" by Lewis H. Morgan is an anthropological work published in 1877. Building on his earlier kinship research, Morgan proposes that human societies progress through three universal stages: Savagery, Barbarism, and Civilization. He develops this theory by comparing what he calls "ethna"—inventions, discoveries, and institutions—across different cultures. His ideas profoundly influenced European thinkers including Marx and Engels, shaping debates about social evolution and human development that continue to resonate in anthropology today.
Daniel Wilson
Prehistoric man : $b researches into the origin of civilisation in the Old and the New world
"Prehistoric Man: Researches into the Origin of Civilisation in the Old and New World" by Daniel Wilson is a detailed scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the evolution of human civilization, particularly focusing on the cultural and social development of prehistoric peoples in both the Old and New Worlds. Wilson, an academic from Toronto, draws upon archaeological evidence to analyze how these civilizations, often isolated from ancient influences, achieved autonomy and developed their own unique cultures. The opening of the text establishes the foundation for Wilson's inquiry into the nature of prehistoric man and his civilizations. He emphasizes the contrasts between the civilizations that emerged in the Old World and those encountered in the New World following the discovery of America in 1492. Wilson argues that the New World offers a unique perspective for studying human development, as it presents a case of civilization evolving independently of ancient European or Asian influences. He describes how, in observing contemporary Native American societies alongside European settlers, we can glean insights into the early stages of civilization and the fundamental characteristics of humanity, which reveal the latent capacities that all peoples potentially possess, irrespective of their cultural context.
Henry Fairfield Osborn
Men of the Old Stone Age: Their Environment, Life and Art
"Men of the Old Stone Age: Their Environment, Life and Art" by Henry Fairfield Osborn is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work dives into the prehistoric human cultures of the Paleolithic era, focusing on their environment, lifestyle, and artistic expressions. Osborn aims to synthesize findings from various disciplines, including geology, paleontology, anthropology, and archaeology, to provide a comprehensive view of human evolution during this fascinating period. The opening of this volume establishes the author’s journey through the regions associated with early humans, guided by prominent archaeologists. Osborn reflects on the rich history of human habitation in Europe, stressing the depth of human evolution and the significant archaeological finds located in the area. He highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to understand the relationship between early humans, their environment, and their cultural advancements, setting the stage for a detailed historical account of the Old Stone Age in subsequent chapters.
Hans Fehlinger
Sexual Life of Primitive People
"Sexual Life of Primitive People" by Hans Fehlinger is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the sexual customs, relationships, and behaviors of various primitive peoples, shedding light on their societal norms surrounding sex, marriage, and modesty. It aims to provide readers with an understanding of how these practices have evolved over time and what they reveal about human sexuality at large. At the start of the book, the author presents the concept of modesty among primitive peoples, explaining that the absence of clothing is not necessarily linked to a lack of sexual modesty, as seen in many cultures where nakedness is normal. He offers insights from anthropological studies, noting the lack of embarrassment around sexual organs and the casual approach to nudity and sexual interaction among various tribes. However, the text also highlights that certain situations can elicit modesty, particularly when sexual acts or coarse jokes are involved. This initial exploration sets the foundation for a detailed examination of cultural attitudes toward sex throughout the rest of the text.
G. Frederick (George Frederick) Wright
Man and the Glacial Period
"Man and the Glacial Period" by G. Frederick Wright is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book explores the extensive relationship between human existence and the Glacial period, encompassing the evidence of glaciers' expansion during this epoch and its impact on human development in both Europe and America. It is designed to present a concise overview of accumulating facts regarding glacial phenomena and their historical context, accompanied by detailed illustrations. At the start of the work, Wright introduces the topic by detailing the current existence of glaciers around the world and inferring that they once covered much larger areas during a significant geological epoch. He outlines the characteristics of glaciers, including their formation, motion, and the geological effects they have on landscapes. This introduction sets the stage for a broader examination of how glacial activity was intimately linked to human history and development, positioning his analysis as both a geological and anthropological inquiry.
Henry Sumner Maine
Ancient law : $b its connection to the history of early society
"Ancient Law: Its Connection to the History of Early Society" by Sir Henry James Sumner Maine is an influential work of legal scholarship, first published in the early 19th century. This treatise explores the historical roots of legal systems, emphasizing the evolution of law from primitive societies to more complex modern frameworks. Maine argues that legal conceptions are products of historical development, reflecting the social structures and dynamics of early human communities. The opening of "Ancient Law" introduces the foundational ideas that Maine will elaborate throughout the text. He critiques earlier jurisprudential theories that have approached the study of law from unhistorical perspectives, proposing instead that early legal systems were characterized by communal rather than individualistic foundations. Maine posits that the group, particularly the patriarchal family, served as the foundational unit of early society, which significantly shaped the evolution of legal concepts such as property, contracts, and succession. He sets the stage for examining how these early laws began to transform into more sophisticated systems that align with the needs of increasingly complex societies.
Jean-François-Albert du Pouget Nadaillac
Manners and Monuments of Prehistoric Peoples
"Manners and Monuments of Prehistoric Peoples" by The Marquis de Nadaillac is a scientific publication likely written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a comprehensive survey of the various aspects of prehistoric human life, exploring their practices, artifacts, and societal structures based on archaeological findings. The opening of this volume lays the groundwork for the subsequent examination of prehistoric peoples by reflecting on the significant advancements in scientific exploration and knowledge that characterized the 19th century. It highlights the profound interest in uncovering the mysteries of early human civilizations and their enigmatic practices. The text begins with a discussion of the Stone Age, addressing various inquiries related to early humans, including their origins, lifestyle, tools, and the environmental conditions they faced. It acknowledges the ongoing debates in archaeology about the classification of prehistoric periods and leads into an exploration of artifacts and their implications on our understanding of human history.
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