The Gift: Forms and Functions of Exchange in Archaic Societies

Mauss, Marcel

ISBN 10: 161427018X / ISBN 13: 9781614270188

Published by Martino Fine Books, 2011

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Gift: Forms and Functions of Exchange in Archaic Societies
• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 161427018X
• ISBN 13: 9781614270188
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

2011 Reprint of 1954 American Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. This is perhaps the first systematic study of the custom, widespread in primitive societies from ancient Rome to present-day Melanesia, of exchanging gifts. The gift is conceived as a transaction forming part of all human, personal relationships between individuals and groups. These gift exchanges are at the same time moral, economic, juridical, aesthetic, religious, mythological and social phenomena. A classic work.

About the Author

Marcel Mauss was a French sociologist and anthropologist. His work profoundly influenced the field of anthropology with respect to topics such as magic, sacrifice, and gift exchange in primitive cultures.