Explore the science and history of consanguineous marriage across cultures and time.
This authoritative work examines how close kinship has shaped laws, biology, and social practice, offering a careful, evidence‑based look at why many societies restrict marriage within bloodlines.
Aimed at readers of history, law, and science, the book traces the evolution of marriage prohibitions, analyzes medical debates about inheritance and disease, and surveys diverse communities around the world. It presents diverse viewpoints and a wealth of sources, inviting readers to weigh facts with context rather than rely on simplistic claims.
- Historical survey of marriage laws and prohibitions across nations
- Discussion of diseases linked to hereditary factors and consanguinity
- Cross‑cultural case studies from many regions and eras
- Critical examination of early scientific theories and modern biology
Ideal for readers curious about anthropology, legal history, and the biology of inheritance.