Claude Lévi-Strauss
Claude Lévi-Strauss was a French anthropologist and ethnologist whose work was key in the development of the theory of structuralism and structural anthropology. He is considered one of the most significant social scientists of the 20th century.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Tristes Tropiques
An Anthropological Study of Primitive Societies
"Tristes Tropiques" is a blend of autobiography, travel literature, and anthropology by a renowned scholar. The book is a recounting of the author's travels and anthropological work, primarily in Brazil, in the 1930s. It provides a critical and philosophical reflection on his experiences and observations, offering insights into indigenous tribes like the Nambikwara and Tupi-Kawahib, and exploring themes of cultural change, the nature of anthropology, and the author's own disillusionment with Western civilization.
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2. The Savage Mind
This book is a seminal work in the field of anthropology that explores the structures of human thought across cultures, arguing against the notion of "primitive" minds in traditional societies. The author posits that so-called "savage" or "primitive" thinking is not inferior to "civilized" thought but is, in fact, an equally complex and systematic way of understanding the world. Through a detailed analysis of totemism, myths, and rituals, the work demonstrates how indigenous and non-Western peoples categorize and make sense of their experiences with the same intellectual rigor as those in modern societies, challenging ethnocentric views of human intellectual capabilities and contributing to the broader understanding of human cognition.
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3. Structural Anthropology
This book serves as an introduction to structural anthropology, a field that focuses on human societies and cultures as systems of meaning. The author explores various topics such as kinship, mythology, and art, using a structuralist approach to understand the underlying patterns and structures that govern human behavior and thought. By analyzing different cultures, the author demonstrates how seemingly disparate elements can be understood in relation to each other within a larger system, providing profound insights into the nature of human society and culture.
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4. The Raw and the Cooked
Introduction to a Science of Mythology
"The Raw and the Cooked" is an anthropological analysis of the myths and customs of tribal societies, particularly those in South America. The author explores the concept of binary opposition, such as raw versus cooked or nature versus culture, as a fundamental structure in these societies' mythologies. The book provides a detailed and systematic study of the symbolic use of food and cooking in primitive societies, suggesting that the way a society categorizes food is a window into understanding its culture.
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5. Myth And Meaning
An Introduction to the Study of Mythology
This insightful work delves into the intricate relationship between myth and human understanding, exploring how myths serve as a fundamental framework for interpreting the world. Through a series of lectures, the author examines the universal patterns and structures that myths embody, revealing their role in shaping cultural and intellectual landscapes across societies. The narrative underscores the significance of myths in bridging the gap between the scientific and the spiritual, offering a profound reflection on how these ancient stories continue to influence modern thought and perception.
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6. Claude Lévi Strauss Och Strukturalismen
This book delves into the intricate world of structuralism, exploring the underlying structures that shape human culture and society. Through a meticulous examination of myths, kinship, and language, it reveals how seemingly disparate elements are interconnected by universal patterns. The work challenges conventional perceptions, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of human thought and behavior, and underscores the importance of understanding the deep-seated structures that govern cultural phenomena.
