

First published in 1927, Primitive Man as Philosopher represents a landmark in early anthropological studies. In this work, Paul Radin demonstrates the problematic nature of distinguishing between "primitive" and "civilized" cultures. He traces such ideas as the nature of...

2023 Reprint of the 1927 U.S. Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition and not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Anthropology is a science whose most significant discoveries have come when it has taken its bearings from literature, and what makes Paul Radin's...

First published in 1927, Primitive Man as Philosopher represents a landmark in early anthropological studies. In this work, Paul Radin demonstrates the problematic nature of distinguishing between "primitive" and "civilized" cultures. He traces such ideas as the nature of...

Primitive Man as Philosopher by Paul Radin. Originally published in 1927. PREFACE: When a modern historian desires to study the civilization of any people, he regards it as a necessary preliminary that he divest himself, so far as possible, of all prejudice and bias. He realizes...


"Primitive Man as Philosopher" is influential anthropologist and ethnologist Paul Radin's enduringly relevant survey of an array of aboriginal cultures and belief systems, including those of the Winnebago, Oglala Sioux, Maori, Banda, the Buin of Melanesia, Tahitian, Hawaiian,...



"Primitive Man as Philosopher" is a landmark contribution to anthropology that challenges long-held assumptions regarding the intellectual life of non-industrialized societies. Paul Radin presents a compelling argument against the idea that abstract thought and philosophical...





Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.


