Small Places, Large Issues

'A masterful introduction to the wide range of subjects studied by anthropologists as well as to the distinctive perspectives they bring to bear on these matters.'

-- Vered Amit, Professor Emerita of Anthropology, Concordia University

'In almost three decades since it was first published, this book has evolved with its subject, magnificently corroborating its author’s thesis, that the best anthropology addresses timeless themes of the human condition through a relentless focus on the contemporary. In a novelty-obsessed age, Eriksen’s encyclopaedic tour of comparative anthropology teaches us to build on classical foundations. This is not just another book in the library of anthropology; it is an entire anthropological library in one book.'

-- Tim Ingold, Emeritus Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Aberdeen

'Remains among the most brilliant summaries of key ideas animating anthropology. In his famously accessible writing style, Eriksen introduces fundamental questions that shape human life, and provides an overview of the discipline’s contribution to the pressing issues of our times. The new version will not only appeal to beginners, but is also a must-read for established professionals.'

-- Ursula Rao, Director, Anthropology of Politics and Governance, Max-Planck-Institute for Social Anthropology

'Draws students into exploring our human diversity in all its intriguing manifestations, offering a wonderful way to grasp the excitement of anthropology and its focus on what it means to be human.'

-- Rob Borofsky, Center for a Public Anthropology

'Authoritative, challenging, accessible, up-to-date, this is a splendid introduction to modern social anthropology. I would press it on anyone who wants a better grasp of the diversity of human ways of living. And it is a must-read for students.'

-- Adam Kuper, Centennial Professor of Anthropology, London School of Economics

'This classic volume is quite simply the best introduction there is to social and cultural anthropology. Deeply grounded in the history of anthropological thought, it is also thoroughly up to date. More than that, it is unfailingly engaging, clear and accurate. There is no better place to go to begin to learn why anthropology has been and remains a vital discipline in the contemporary world.'

-- Joel Robbins, Sigrid Rausing Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge

'Small Places, Large Issues shows us Thomas Hylland Eriksen in his admirable triple capacity as an anthropologist: the scholar, with depth and breadth of knowledge, and with a critical sense; the statesman, negotiating with fairness between anthropological camps; and the journalist, with a sense of what is new, zooming between close-up and Big Picture, and writing clearly about it all.'

-- Ulf Hannerz

'This wonderfully lucid introduction to social and cultural anthropology readily captures students' attention. By delineating the past and present development of the discipline, Eriksen underscores continuities and challenges that inform the practice of anthropology in today's world. In presenting anthropology as a means for elucidating large issues through the analysis of small places, the book speaks eloquently to anthropology's intellectual vibrance and practical value.'

-- Noel Dyck, Professor of Social Anthropology, Simon Fraser Univer