A. L. Kroeber – författare

This roster of the principal known civilizations and cultures of the world contains a description of their geographical boundaries, a study of their cultural divisions, and an outline of the native character. Its aim is to correct certain historical misconceptions and attitudes, while laying the foundation for a more exact, objective study of the history of man.

"This handsome volume, one of a group commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the University of California, caps the prolific and extraordinarily varied publications of the most distinguished of living American anthropologists...In this book [Kroeber] demonstrates his control over amazing ranges of world history. Kroeber's versatility and intellectual robustness are all the more refreshing when viewed against the background of the narrowness and overspecialization, the relative isolation from the main currents of contemporary thought, and the inbred parochialism which have, on the whole, characterized twentieth-century anthropology. Configurations of Culture Growth deserves those abused adjectives 'great' and 'monumental.' " From: Clyde Kluckhohn 1946 review of "Configurations of Culture Growth." (American Journal of Sociology, vol. 51, no. 4, p. 336-341).

Karok Myths serves as an invaluable companion to Yurok Myths, offering a profound glimpse into the folklore of the Karok people as collected by renowned anthropologists Alfred Kroeber and Edward Gifford. These two collections, spanning decades, were translated from the Karok language into English with the assistance of bilingual informants, preserving stories central to the Karok worldview. The anthology reflects the deep cultural ties between the Karok and their natural environment, highlighting myths of creation, moral lessons, and narratives imbued with vivid psychological and spiritual undertones. While Kroeber's collection offers a nuanced coda to his earlier work on the Yurok, Gifford's materials provide complementary insights, documenting the oral traditions of a community profoundly shaped by the Klamath River and its surrounding landscapes.The book not only illuminates the storytelling art of the Karok but also celebrates the enduring partnership and shared anthropological legacy of Kroeber and Gifford. By presenting their work side by side, Karok Myths highlights the challenges and triumphs of preserving indigenous voices amidst cultural erosion. Through these stories, readers encounter the Karok’s intricate moral frameworks, cosmological perspectives, and profound connection to the land. This volume is both a testament to the resilience of Karok culture and an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Native American folklore.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1980.

This title compiles influential essays by Alfred Kroeber, written in the last decade of his life, reflecting his deep exploration of human culture, civilization, and history through an anthropological lens. Curated by Milton Singer and Theodora Kroeber, this collection showcases Kroeber's unique perspective on the intersections of anthropology, history, and the humanities. Rather than focusing solely on ethnology or linguistic analysis, Kroeber broadens his scope to address questions about style, civilization patterns, and the historical continuity of cultures. His view of anthropology as a young, evolving science with ancient philosophical roots demonstrates his belief in the discipline’s role in understanding human progress.The volume aims to engage both historians and anthropologists by presenting Kroeber’s reflections on culture and the human condition, especially for a generation of scholars and students whose approach to anthropology is less historically oriented. Kroeber’s personal approach to his field, developed over a lifetime of teaching and exploring anthropological themes such as "Culture Growth," emphasizes the evolving nature of culture as an "aggregate" that shapes civilizations and values. By tracing Kroeber's intellectual journey, the book underscores the importance of historical context in anthropology, positioning it as a field capable of enriching broader humanistic inquiries and advancing our understanding of civilization’s aesthetic, ethical, and structural evolution.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1963.

Karok Myths serves as an invaluable companion to Yurok Myths, offering a profound glimpse into the folklore of the Karok people as collected by renowned anthropologists Alfred Kroeber and Edward Gifford. These two collections, spanning decades, were translated from the Karok language into English with the assistance of bilingual informants, preserving stories central to the Karok worldview. The anthology reflects the deep cultural ties between the Karok and their natural environment, highlighting myths of creation, moral lessons, and narratives imbued with vivid psychological and spiritual undertones. While Kroeber's collection offers a nuanced coda to his earlier work on the Yurok, Gifford's materials provide complementary insights, documenting the oral traditions of a community profoundly shaped by the Klamath River and its surrounding landscapes.The book not only illuminates the storytelling art of the Karok but also celebrates the enduring partnership and shared anthropological legacy of Kroeber and Gifford. By presenting their work side by side, Karok Myths highlights the challenges and triumphs of preserving indigenous voices amidst cultural erosion. Through these stories, readers encounter the Karok’s intricate moral frameworks, cosmological perspectives, and profound connection to the land. This volume is both a testament to the resilience of Karok culture and an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Native American folklore.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1980.

This title compiles influential essays by Alfred Kroeber, written in the last decade of his life, reflecting his deep exploration of human culture, civilization, and history through an anthropological lens. Curated by Milton Singer and Theodora Kroeber, this collection showcases Kroeber's unique perspective on the intersections of anthropology, history, and the humanities. Rather than focusing solely on ethnology or linguistic analysis, Kroeber broadens his scope to address questions about style, civilization patterns, and the historical continuity of cultures. His view of anthropology as a young, evolving science with ancient philosophical roots demonstrates his belief in the discipline’s role in understanding human progress.The volume aims to engage both historians and anthropologists by presenting Kroeber’s reflections on culture and the human condition, especially for a generation of scholars and students whose approach to anthropology is less historically oriented. Kroeber’s personal approach to his field, developed over a lifetime of teaching and exploring anthropological themes such as "Culture Growth," emphasizes the evolving nature of culture as an "aggregate" that shapes civilizations and values. By tracing Kroeber's intellectual journey, the book underscores the importance of historical context in anthropology, positioning it as a field capable of enriching broader humanistic inquiries and advancing our understanding of civilization’s aesthetic, ethical, and structural evolution.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1963.