Paleoanthropology

by Milford H. Wolpoff

Book Overview

Since the first edition was introduced in 1980, Paleoanthropology has been the leading text for the upper-level undergraduate or graduate course in human evolution. Written by one of the world's leading experts on the subject, and the only human evolution text written by a paleontologist with direct experience with the fossil record, this new edition offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of human evolution. This edition has been substantially...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394321979
• ISBN13: 9780394321974
• Release Date: January 1980
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 379 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A comprehensive and merticulous work

Covering the subject of Paleoanthropology is never easy, at best. This is especially so when one has a competitor of the quality of Richard Klein's "The Human Career". However, Professor Wolpoff has brilliantly succeeded at carving his own niche, with Klein's book focusing more on archaeology and his more on skeletal analyses. I would recommend students purchase both textbooks to obtain the best overall picture. Paleoanthropology is separated into four parts, with a total of 14 chapters ranging from descriptions of the process of evolution, to the distinguishing anatomical features of the Anthropoidea and the hominins, and to the late Pleistocene. A comprehensive glossary is given at the end of the book which proves invaluable. A general collection of references is found at the end of the book and more specific references can be found after each chapter. It is not a book for newcomers who should introduce themselves to the subject through a more general summary; rather it is for the dedicated amateur and scholars to utilise at graduate level and as a professional reference work. I am an archaeologist and would recommend it for anyone who is seriously interested in paleoanthropology and archaeology.

The number 1 reference!

This book is not meant to be "eye candy" (although in many ways it is). It is a serious reference book with no hooks. Just the facts ...and tons OF 'em. If it is boring to any student, it is because he/she has no love of the subject or has a personal grudge of some sort. I am especially grateful for all the detailed descriptions of fossils (especially pertaining to the skull). Professor Wolpoff is a no-nonsense scientist who knows and loves his subject thoroughly! It is sad that politics have so thoroughly invaded the field of paleoanthropology. It's immature effects are plain to see in this series of reviews. Prof. Wolpoff is THE leader of one side of an important issue and critiscism is inevitable. It is also regrettable but I add this voice to thank him for his good and dedicated work.

Praise for Paleoanthropology

"Paleoanthropology" is, and deserves to be, the standard against which all paleoanthropology texts should be measured. After introductory chapters on dating methods and evolutionary theory, it covers human evolution beginning with Miocene primates, proceeding through australopithecine and Pleistocene Homo evolution, and ending with a thorough analysis of the European fossil record. "Paleoanthropology" has three major strengths. The first lies in its detailed treatment of the fossil evidence over the last 5 million years. Every major specimen is described clearly, precisely and thoroughly. More importantly, each specimen is placed within the context of its evolutionary significance. Its second strength lies in its treatment of the entire organism. Archaeology and behavioral theory are combined with morphological evidence to arrive at a detailed appraisal of what the hominid was doing and why it was doing it. Rarely do textbooks adequately address such issues. Third, "Paleoanthropology" addresses every important theoretical issue in paleoanthropology. Certainly Wolpoff emphasizes his views, but, in each case, he presents the various protagonists' views of how the evidence supports their opposing positions. For example, the predictions of the Recent Replacement model, and the supporting fossil and archaeological evidence, are clearly presented. Wolpoff takes a position on this and other issues. All authors do so and are seldom criticized for it. However few authors go to the lengths that Wolpoff does to present all important alternative points of view. Anyone interested in detailed descriptions of the fossil material and thorough discussions of central theoretical issues is strongly encouraged to read this text.

This is *the* text available today on paleoanthropology.

This text is perfect in many ways, and imperfect in many ways. However, it contains the information as a text should, clearly and concisely. Those who find it long and unreadable should look into another field, as human evolution is not an "easy" subject. It is a text, and reads as such (i.e. it is long and hard to read for retention of facts, but allows easy access to specific information through its organization and index). The reviews that give this text 1 star are probably from one or more of the professors who take issue with Wolpoff himself, which is why the two reviewers with locations give Michigan as their location. It is interpersonal battles and petty attacks such as this that led to certain lawsuits between these professors. That is pathetic. This text serves its purpose wonderfully, as any objective opinion will tell you, no matter what your interpretations of the archaeological record.

It is an obligatory reading for all anthropologists

Only Wolpoff could cover the entire field of paleoanthropology and extend that science to general knowledge of our distant past