Argonauts of the Western Pacific : An Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Malinowski, Bronislaw, 1884-1942

Contributor:

Frazer, James George, 1854-1941

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Argonauts of the Western Pacific" by Bronislaw Malinowski is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work provides an in-depth ethnographic study of the Trobriand Islanders, focusing particularly on their complex systems of trade, known as the Kula. Through the author's meticulous observation and firsthand experience living among the natives, this book sheds light on the social, economic, and magical dimensions of their culture, emphasizing the integral role of exchange in their society. The opening of the book introduces the author's empirical approach to ethnography, drawing attention to the urgency of documenting native cultures before they disappear. Malinowski reflects on the complexities of conducting fieldwork, including the challenges of communication and cultural immersion. Through this context, he sets the stage for discussing the Kula system-a form of ceremonial exchange that transcends mere economic transactions and is steeped in emotional and sociocultural significance. The introduction establishes a foundation for exploring broader themes of human behavior, social organization, and the intersection of magic and economy in the lives of the Trobriand Islanders. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (Italy) for Project Gutenberg.

Notes:

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonauts_of_the_Western_Pacific

Reading ease score: 55.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2017-10-26