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Marcel Mauss

The Gift

Marcel MaussNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1923

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Book Brief

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Marcel Mauss

The Gift

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1923
Book Details
Pages

184

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

France • 1920s

Publication Year

1923

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Marcel Mauss's The Gift (1925) examines the sociocultural, political, and economic aspects of gift-giving among Northwest Coast American Indians, Melanesians, and Polynesians. The essay explores concepts like honor, reciprocity, and prestige, contrasting Western commerce with traditional gift exchanges, which enhance social bonds and obligations. Mauss's analysis highlights the cultural significance of the potlatch and similar practices throughout history.

Informative

Contemplative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

3.9

3,582 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Gift by Marcel Mauss receives praise for its groundbreaking analysis of reciprocity and social exchange, foundational to modern anthropology and sociology. Critics commend its depth but note its dense, academic prose may challenge casual readers. The anthropological case studies are highly valued, though some perceive the scope to be somewhat Eurocentric.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Gift?

The reader who would enjoy The Gift by Marcel Mauss is likely fascinated by anthropology, sociology, and economics. They appreciate seminal works that explore social exchange and reciprocity, akin to Malinowski's Argonauts of the Western Pacific. Fans of Durkheim's studies on societal structures will find Mauss's analysis especially compelling.

3.9

3,582 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

184

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

France • 1920s

Publication Year

1923

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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