{"product_id":"the-anthropological-lens-harsh-light-soft-focus-9780521337489","title":"The Anthropological Lens: Harsh Light  Soft Focus","description":"\u003cp\u003eAnthropology is a complex  wide-ranging  and ever changing field. Yet  despite its diversity  certain major themes do occur in the understandings of the world that anthropologists have offered. In this clear  coherent  and well-crafted book  James L. Peacock spells out the central concepts  distinctive methodologies  and philosophical as well as practical issues of cultural anthropology. Designed to supplement standard textbooks and monographs  the book focuses on the premises that underlie the facts that the former kinds of works generally present. Free from unnecessarily abstract theoretical language and based on compelling concrete anecdote and engaging illustration  it is written in terms understandable to the anthropological novice  as well as being of value to the professional. The books three main concerns are the substance  method  and significance of anthropology. In his discussion of substance  method  and significance of anthropology  such as the concept of culture  as well as holism. In writing about method  he explores the distinctive character of ethnographic fieldwork and raises questions of interpretation and comparison. Finally  he considers the relevance of anthropology with respect to both its practical application and what it contributes to understanding of human affairs. Using the photographic metaphors of harsh light and soft focus  Peacock characterizes the anthropological worldview as consisting of two elements: on the one hand  a concern with the basic reality of the human condition  free of cultural influence; on the other  a broadly based holism that attempts to grasp all aspects of that condition  including its relation to the anthropologist. His book will appeal widely to readers interested in anthropology  at all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67929944850485,"sku":"ByrdShop_0521337488","price":66.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780521337489.jpg?v=1794201745","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-anthropological-lens-harsh-light-soft-focus-9780521337489","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}