Description
1903 edition. Hardcover has significant wear, discoloration, scuffs and marks throughout. No dust jacket. Spine cover is slightly loose and has tears on the top and bottom. Binding is secure. Pages are clean and largely unmarked aside from some small marks on some pages.
This remarkable 1903 edition of “The History of Human Marriage” by Edward Westermarck is a true gem for collectors and scholars alike. Westermarck, a Finnish philosopher and sociologist, pioneered the field of comparative ethnography with this groundbreaking work. Through meticulous research and analysis of marriage customs across diverse cultures, he challenged prevailing Western assumptions about the universality of monogamy and the nuclear family structure.
Despite its well-worn exterior, a testament to its age and the intellectual journeys it has undertaken, the interior pages remain largely pristine, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Westermarck’s revolutionary ideas. This volume represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of anthropological thought, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of human societies and their intricate tapestry of beliefs and practices.
For collectors, this early edition holds immense value not only for its scarcity but also for its historical significance. It offers a glimpse into the intellectual landscape of the early 20th century, when scholars were challenging long-held beliefs and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge. Moreover, Westermarck’s influence can be traced through the works of subsequent anthropologists and sociologists, making this book a cornerstone of the discipline’s development.
