Disappointing.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The title of this series makes you think the lectures will be interesting. And, to a degree, they are. However, they deal with "out of the way" cultures that affect very few of us, and do not cover the scope of humanity. There is nothing of consequence discussed of the world's major cultures, just smaller tribes around the globe. While it is somewhat interesting, it really doesn't offer insight into humanity to any degree. Be aware, as well, this is an older series. At one point the author/reader mentions there are 6 billion people on earth (current population is 7.2 billion). Because of this, I feel there may have been more recent discoveries in the field which get no mention in this series of lectures.

19 people found this helpful

The world is not only made of tribes

Actually the world is made of tribes, but I was left with the feeling that the book was too much focused on small tribes (interesting as they may be... and they are). I was expecting a more overarching perspective of big tribes: modern peoples and nations... it would be more useful.
It was a good anthropological exercise though...

12 people found this helpful

Interesting

Would you listen to Peoples and Cultures of the World again? Why?

I would like to hear these lectures again. Professor Fischer describes the culture and habits of peoples all over the globe. I loved that he guided us through the lives of those in remote villages and people who are rarely studied. These lectures were really enjoyable.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I think for me, when he explained why cannibals think we are wrong and wasteful when we bury (instead of eat) our dead he was most compelling because it helped me to see them as humans with reasons for their actions. I never understood the "why" behind what they do. He has a way of teaching delicate subjects in an academic manner, so the listener can accept the information easier. He told stories of peoples so dramatically different than traditional Americans, I found it very interesting. I also learned that acts that can seem barbaric to us are seen in a very different light by others.

Have you listened to any of Professor Edward Fischer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but would like to hear a sequel.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I think it is too long for that, but I did listen to one a day and really looked forward to each one.

Any additional comments?

Really fascinating, many good lessons on human nature. I enjoyed it very much.

11 people found this helpful

Great refresher

I've skimmed many of the topics covered in this lecture during my graduate school days, but Professor Fischer's passion for this topic enhanced my understanding of the cultures mentioned here and his framing of Anthropology as a discipline added enormously to my understanding of the subject matter. Listening to this course gave me exactly what I had hoped for: a fascinating, globe-trotting escape into the lives of other people I will never meet and an opportunity to marvel at our shared, human experiences.

4 people found this helpful

Facinating

I've listened to many of the Great Courses-- and this one tanks very near the top. I've never studied Sociology or Anthropology-- but I found these lectures insightful, interesting, and engaging. Highly recommend!

3 people found this helpful

Informative

It was an informative lecture with some interesting chapters, but it focused more on indigenous groups and tribes rather than national culture.

2 people found this helpful

Good Introduction to Anthropology

This book offers a good introduction to anthropology, which is a combination of many studies like humanities, social science, economics, and political systems. It is interesting to learn the cultural practices and beliefs of other societies, such as family lineage traced through the mother side (not the father side), some hunter-gather tribes working abut 20 hours a week to get their food (probably happier than our "modern" societies), and the practice of polygamy (multiple wives as well as multiple husbands). The only downside is the few chapters about obscure tribes and the minutiae of their everyday tribal life.

2 people found this helpful

Best Antropological course ever.

What made the experience of listening to Peoples and Cultures of the World the most enjoyable?

I have a degree in Anthropology and stay current on theory. This course is so interesting and fun. I loved the professor's lectures, he makes the material relevant and engaging.
I highly recommend this course.

Have you listened to any of Professor Edward Fischer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, this is the only one

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

all the lectures were great

1 person found this helpful

A fresh and engaging look many cultures

What did you love best about Peoples and Cultures of the World?

I was totally engaged in the process and went back to listen again and again. With each listening I was learning new material

What was one of the most memorable moments of Peoples and Cultures of the World?

; coming of age stories
challenged views of maternal instinct, how language tells so much about our culture

Any additional comments?

is there a part two and a part three to this course? Would love to take it!!
Thank you for a great and successful effort.

1 person found this helpful

Bait and switch

The first half of so of the lectures are what was expected -- a generally interesting overview of peoples and customs across the world, and a description of the work and types of anthrologists. Then we get way too much inside baseball regarding the Yanamamo studies, which was mildly annoying, but okay. But the last third of the lectures veer wildly off course to delve into the minutiae of Marxist theory and this guy's attacks on "globalism." While I agree with some points, this section is almost wholly disconnected from the rest, not to mention the subject promised. Weird!