Introduction to Anthropology

Reviewed by Katherine Fox, Assistant Professor, Southern Oregon University on 11/2/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This is a comprehensive four-field introduction to anthropology that is clearly organized, with a complete index.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I saw no issues in the content.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

It is definitely a more up-to-date textbook than many offered by traditional publishers, but many of the "modern" examples are still drawing from the early 2010s. The section on digital and new media feels underdeveloped for 2022. I do think that the format will allow updates with relative ease.

Clarity rating: 5

Clear language with ample definitions and explanations.

Consistency rating: 4

Generally speaking, it is consistent. However, many sections are treated as independent topics and do not always clearly link to and reference other material covered earlier in the book, so in some ways this is not applicable.

Modularity rating: 3

Blocks of text are often larger than is comfortable to read online. Sections of the book can be printed without major issues, though there is some disruption of graphics.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Clear structure. While each chapter covers a different topic that is often very separate from others, the sections within the chapters follows a clear and logical sequence.

Interface rating: 5

No problems with the online interface.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors; sentences are clear and well-written.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book uses diverse examples to illustrate anthropological concepts. Though it feels as though its target audience is American, different regions of the world feel evenly represented (i.e., the book doesn't overwhelmingly focus on one area, such as Southeast Asia or Latin America).

This is a really great textbook option for four-field anthropology classes. I don't think that it replaces textbooks that are specifically for introductory cultural anthropology courses, at least without supplementation with other materials.