The “structural method,” first set forth in this epoch-making book, changed the very face of social anthropology. This reissue of a classic will reintroduce readers to Lévi-Strauss’s understanding of man and society in terms of individuals—kinship, social organization, religion, mythology, and art.

Structural Anthropology

This collection of Levi-Strauss' essays, studies and polemic articles often has a manifesto-like tone. However, the chapters vary in style and substance. Some are more ethnographical, others (more numerous) are more theoretical and have a programmatic character. Although Levi-Strauss' analyses are highly competent and thorough and his position supported by solid and sound arguments, I find it hard to subscribe to the approach to anthropology that he advocates. He is a proponent of anthropology borrowing tools from structural linguistics and mathematics in order to penetrate deeper into its object of study and to refine its processing of material. However cool that may sound and however impressive the application of this stance (as illustrated in many chapters of the book), I couldn't help feeling some kind of reluctance to accept it. It may be perhaps because of my lack of knowledge and theoretical abilities that I failed to fully grasp the advantages of his method. I don't advise laymen or beginners in the field of anthropology to take on the whole book. Some chapters, nonetheless, are brilliant and accessible enough and one should not miss out on them only because the book as a whole seemed to intimidating. Most of the chapters can be read separately and are definitely worth the effort.

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Structural Anthropology

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