Patterns
of Culture by Ruth
Benedict, Margaret
Mead, Mary Catherine Bateson
For more than a generation, this pioneering book
has been an indispensable introduction to the field of
anthropology. Here, in her study of three sharply contrasting
cultures, Benedict puts forward her famous thesis that a people's
culture is an integrated whole, a "personality writ
large." Includes a preface from Margaret Mead.
"This book describes several diverse
cultures in depth and detail. The emphasis is on overall world
view and the conceptual foundations of each culture. The writing
is lucid, involving and evocative. This book sheds more light on
the issue of what is basic to all human nature, and what is culturally
influenced, then any other I know." -- Anonymous Review
Chrysanthemum
and the Sword : Patterns of Japanese Culture by Ruth
Benedict, Ezra F. Vogel (Introduction)
A recognized classic of cultural anthropology,
this book explores the political, religious, and economic life of
Japan from the seventh century through the mid-twentieth, as well
as personal family life.
"Anyone who wishes to seriously study
Japanese civilization and culture should read this book which is
considered a classic, seminal text on the subject. It introduced
insights into Japanese culture that are now old hat but were fresh
and new to American minds when the book was first published.
Although the book is a bit dated as more anthropologists have
studied the subject and have been able to conduct field research -
which Benedict did not do -, scholars in the field still refer to
Benedict's work, so its still worth reading if you want to be
fully versed in the literature and discourse. However, if you're
entirely new to studying Japanese culture and civilization, this
is very readable and a wonderful beginning since Benedict wrote
about her Japanese interviewees with real insight and the desire
to truly understand the Japanese. Just keep in mind, that this
book should be supplemented with other, more recent texts,
particularly ones in which the anthropologists actually did
conduct field research." -- Onna
