Intertwined Lives: Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, and Their Circle

by Lois W. Banner

Book Overview

A uniquely revealing biography of two eminent twentieth century American women. Close friends for much of their lives, Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead met at Barnard College in 1922, when Mead was a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679454357
• ISBN13: 9780679454359
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 560 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Book Review for Anthro Class, but you might get something out of it.

For my term paper for Anthropology of Homosexualities, and based on related reading in our class, I chose to review and report on "Intertwined Lives: Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict and Their Circle." I personally had no idea either of these women had any connections to the queer community prior to taking this class despite having heard of them, so it was exciting to learn about women who not only shaped the face of anthropology for all time, but also coalesced with one another on their work, on their growth and development, and in love. I would like to mention before we even get started that this book has wonderful pictures that helps bring the book to life. Allow me to show you an example. Now, I am not going to attempt to lure you to read this book by telling and showing you that it has pictures, but how many non-fiction books have you read that have been made bearable and even good by the inclusion of pictures? Be honest with yourself and I think my point is made. (http://find.galegroup.com/stage/A112404910_DQ1039190.jpeg) If you take the time to read this entire review, you will see I give it somewhat of a mixed bag review. Please in no way allow this to deter you from reading the book. I am pretty much able to admit I have a huge crush on both Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead now as a result of reading this book, coupled with a need to stifle my desire to switch majors again and my rededication to finding a suitable mentor. I laughed, I cried, (I may have nodded off a few times) and I used the dictionary a lot. Tangible proof that this book impacted my life is evidenced by my new flapper haircut and 1940's feminine aesthetic. It takes an influential book to do all of that! But I digress. This is a solid book by a notable researcher. Lois Banner wrote the introduction to Mead's book on Ruth Benedict, a situation that shows a deep respect for her on Mead's end. I bring up some points about the book that were noticeable to me, a sophomore at City College. In looking around at other book reviewers, a tad late in the game, I am pleased and relieved to see I am not the only person that found the things I found to not work a tad off. I also attempted to remain more formal in this paper, as you will see following this paragraph. As you may have already inferred, I prefer to use a less formal and more familiar voice in my writing. However, out of respect and admiration for all of these women I honestly tried to stay on point and provide solid critical analysis. So if you are out there reading this someday, Lois Banner, please do not be offended. I loved your book, really. And besides, what do I know? I may be an advanced reader, but really I am brand new to the study of anthropology! In writing this epic work of regarding two huge personalities and careers, Banner took on a giant task and ended up with an amazing book about the lives and times of Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, and their families, friends, adversaries and colleagues. She goes int