A Guide to Anthropology: Encyclopedias

Arranged according to "major traditions," groups of populations that existed in a geographic area over a period of time (e.g. Early Dynastic Egypt or West African Neolithic). A cultural summary describes each tradition, as well as sub-traditions with detailed cultural summaries.

Covers over 1500 culture groups, alphabetically arranged within regions. The information summarizes information on the distribution, belief systems, kinship structures, and history of the groups and provides selective bibliographies for further research. Consult the index to determine the appropriate name for a particular culture group.

Provides comprehensive coverage of major topics in urban and regional studies. This definitive reference work covers central and emergent topics in the field, through an examination of urban and regional conditions and variation across the world. It also provides authoritative entries on the main conceptual tools used by anthropologists, sociologists, geographers, and political scientists in the study of cities and regions.

Offers lengthy articles on over 500 culture groups worldwide. Each article surveys the location and homeland of the people and covers a wealth of information on such topics as their language, folklore, religion, rites of passage, interpersonal relations, living conditions, family life, cultural heritage, work, and social issues. Each entry includes a selective bibliography.