Book description
Since its first publication in English in 1954, The Gift, Marcel Mauss's groundbreaking study of the relation between forms of exchange and social structure, has been acclaimed as a classic among anthropology texts.
A brilliant example of the comparative method, The Gift presents the first systematic study of the custom―widespread…
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Why read it?
2 authors picked The Gift as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
If there is one foundational text in economic anthropology, this is it. The French anthropologist Mauss showed, in this 1924 book, that gift exchange is the glue that connects people in communities with no formal authority. He is perfectly aware that there are no free gifts, but shows that all economic transactions have a moral element: They create social obligations, they connect us to each other.
From Thomas' list on The best books in economic anthropology.
Our rituals of hospitality often involve gift-giving: a cup of tea, a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers for the host. So if you have ever turned up at somebody’s door bearing a gift, and worrying about whether it will be well-received, this is the book for you.
Mauss himself was an extraordinarily gifted thinker: his interests included anthropology, Sanskrit, the religions of India, the Māori language, and amateur boxing. The Gift is an anthropological marvel that revolutionised our understanding of gift-giving.
From Will's list on The best books about hospitality and the art of dealing with strangers.
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