jps (04/29/83)
I've just finished reading "Cannibals and Kings" by Marvin Harris. Some years ago I read "Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches" by him and enjoyed it. I have also seen a newer work of his in the bookstores about modern society although the title escapes me at the moment. Unlike "C,P,W & W" this later work is dedicated to a single theme. "Cannibals and Kings" is devoted to the human adaption of society to energy availability. In more primative times this meant food as muscle power (animal and human) was the motive power now its petroleum, coal, etc. The book is broken down into explaination on how and why different societies developed. The major examples are taken from Mesoamerican cultures (Aztecs), the Chinese dynasties Eygpt and Mesopotamia and early industrial society. Some interesting theories are put forth such as: The Aztecs resorting to cannibalism due to a protein deficiency in their diet, the imposition of food taboos to encourage some kinds of food production and inhibit others, the development of "Hydrolic Societies" where a potentate gains control of irrigation and thus food production. If you like going on a "cooks tour" of anthropology pick up either of Harris's books, their worth it. John