49 pages 1 hour read

Charles King

Gods of the Upper Air: How a Circle of Renegade Anthropologists Reinvented Race, Sex, and Gender in the Twentieth Century

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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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.

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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Anthropology

History: World

Science / Nature

Themes

Identity: Race

Identity: Gender

Identity: Sexuality