49 pages • 1 hour read
Gods of the Upper Air: How a Circle of Renegade Anthropologists Reinvented Race, Sex, and Gender in the Twentieth Century
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Book Brief
480
Biography • Nonfiction
Global • 20th century
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Gods of the Upper Air by Charles King follows the transformative journey of anthropologists like Franz Boas, Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, Zora Neale Hurston, and Ella Cara Deloria, who challenged the prevailing racial, gender, and sexual norms of their time. The book showcases their groundbreaking fieldwork and their pioneering role in debunking racial science, advocating for cultural relativity, and laying the groundwork for modern anthropology.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Charles King's Gods of the Upper Air expertly explores the transformative work of anthropologist Franz Boas and his protégés. Critics praise its engaging narrative and thorough research, celebrating its contribution to understanding cultural anthropology. Some, however, note a complex structure and dense academic focus may challenge general readers. Overall, it's a compelling read for those interested in history and anthropology.
Who Should Read Gods of the Upper Air?
Readers who enjoy Gods of the Upper Air by Charles King are typically intrigued by cultural anthropology, social justice, and historical biographies. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Sapiens will appreciate its exploration of groundbreaking thinkers such as Franz Boas and his impact on modern anthropology.
2,668 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Franz Boas
Franz Boas
A pioneering anthropologist known as "Papa Franz," who taught and mentored many significant figures in the field at Columbia University, contributing foundational works and correspondence throughout his career.
Ruth Benedict
Ruth Benedict
An influential anthropologist and member of the Boas circle, known for her work on cultural patterns and analysis during WWII, authoring noted books such as "Patterns of Culture" and "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword."
Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead
A renowned cultural anthropologist and mentee of Boas, whose extensive research in Samoa and published works like "Coming of Age in Samoa" made her a prominent figure in anthropology.
Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston
An anthropologist and writer who studied with Boas and became famous for her work on African American culture in the rural South, authoring notable works like "Their Eyes Were Watching God."
Ella Cara Deloria
Ella Cara Deloria
An educator and anthropologist who collaborated with Boas, using her fluency in Sioux languages to challenge established observations on Indigenous cultures, and coauthored "Dakota Grammar."
480
Biography • Nonfiction
Global • 20th century
2019
Adult
18+ years
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