The first encyclopedic history of physical anthropology Physical anthropology is the comparative study of humans as biological organisms, their evolution, and their physiological and anatomical functions. The discipline also encompasses the study of the origins, evolution, behavior, and ecology of primates. Now a first-of-its-kind reference work surveys this complex discipline and summarizes and organizes its basic knowledge, fundamental principles, and development in one easily accessible two-volume set. Unsurpassed, detailed, in-depth coverage of all topics Most general articles are complemented by more specific primary entries. For example, in paleoanthropology there are entries on australopithecines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neandertals, and the origin of modern humans, as well as coverage that summarizes the history of inquiries into the prehistory of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and Oceania. Similarly, from the broad overview of Primate field studies, the reader can turn to other entries on nonhuman primates listed according to their geographic location and zoological status: African and Asian prosimian field studies, African monkeys, African apes, Asian apes, Asian monkeys, Japanese primate studies, Malagasy primates, Russian primate studies, and New World monkeys. Focuses on nations and individuals An important part of the Encyclopedia deals with countries throughout the world, from Albania to New Zealand, providing a broad overview of the discipline's history from a global perspective. There are also capsule biographies of individuals mentioned in the Encyclopedia. Entries are accompanied by bibliographies that cite primary and secondary sources and offer information on the location of primary archives. Surveys key subdisciplines: anthropometry * body composition studies * demography * dental anthropology * dermatoglyphics * forensic anthropology * genetics * growth studies * molecular anthropology * neuroanatomy * paleoanthropology * paleoprimatology * primate field studies * and others Examines such theoretical issues as: evolutionary theory * the development of paleoanthropological theory * neo-Lamarckism * great chain of being * race concept Special features: The first encyclopedia to offer a descriptive and analytical history of the entire discipline * Covers all key subdisciplines in major entries * Surveys the field from a global perspective * Bibliographies cite primary and secondary sources
About the AuthorFrank Spencer is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Queens College, City University of New York. He is the author of scientific articles and books that include a comprehensive study of the PiltdownAffair: Piltdown: A Scientific Forgery (1990) and ThePiltdown Papers (1990); also co-editor of the award winning book: The Origin of Modern Humans (1984) and editor of A History of American Physical Anthropology,1930-1980 (1982).
Reviews"The encyclopedia has tremendous breadth and depth, and it adds significantly to the literature." -- Library Journal
"The encyclopedia provides historical depth as well as breadth absent from the narrower-purpose and strictly topical Dictionary of Concepts in Physical Anthropology." -- Rettig on Reference
"This book is the first comprehensive encyclopedic treatment of the discipline of physical anthropology...the masterful editorial hand of Frank Spencer is manifest throughout the consistently readable text. History of Physical Anthropology is an important addition to the reference literature." -- Nature
"The reference literature of physical anthropology has long needed a clear and comprehensive synthesis of historical aspects of this complex science. The present work fills the gap admirably. A solid work that will remain basic for any reference collection in the biological or social sciences well into the next century." -- Choice
"Successful in presenting an overview of most aspects of the discipline in a readable form...indexes are excellent, with one listing entries by biographical names and the other by subject...The style overall is clear, brisk, and engaging...Exemplary bibliographies...are consistently provided at the ends of all articles...this new title fills a specific niche for research collections." -- Reference Books Bulletin/Booklist
"Highly recommended for both undergraduate and graduate collections." -- Reference Quarterly
Book InformationISBN 9780815304906
Author Frank SpencerPage Count 1224
Imprint RoutledgePublisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 2648g
