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War Before Civilization by Lawrence H. Keeley (1997, Trade Paperback, Reprint)

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The myth of the peace-loving "noble savage" is persistent and pernicious. Indeed, for the last fifty years, most popular and scholarly works have agreed that prehistoric warfare was rare, harmless, unimportant, and, like smallpox, a disease of civilized societies alone.

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For the last fifty years, most popular and scholarly works have agreed that prehistoric warfare was rare, harmless, and unimportant. According to this view, it was little more than a ritualized game, where casualties were limited and the effects of aggression relatively mild. Lawrence Keeley's groundbreaking War Before Civilization offers a devastating rebuttal to such comfortable myths and debunks the notion that warfare was introduced to primitive societies through contact with civilization.Building on much fascinating archeological and historical research and offering an astute comparison of warfare in civilized and prehistoric societies, from modern European states to the Plains Indians of North America, Keeley convincingly demonstrates that prehistoric warfare was in fact more deadly, more frequent, and more ruthless than modern war. He cites evidence of ancient massacres in many areas of the world, and surveys the prevalence of looting, destruction, and trophy-taking in all kinds of warfare, again finding little moral distinction between ancient warriors and civilized armies. Finally, and perhaps most controversially, he examines the evidence of cannibalism among some preliterate peoples.But Keeley goes beyond grisly facts to address the larger moral and philosophical issues raised by his work. What are the causes of war? Are human beings inherently violent? How can we ensure peace in our own time? Challenging some of our most dearly held beliefs, Keeley's conclusions are bound to stir controversy.

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Oxford University Press, Incorporated
ISBN-10
0195119126
ISBN-13
9780195119121
eBay Product ID (ePID)
48279

Product Key Features

Book Title
War before Civilization
Author
Lawrence H. Keeley
Format
Trade Paperback
Language
English
Features
Reprint
Topic
Archaeology, Civilization, Military / Weapons, Military / General, Anthropology / General
Publication Year
1997
Genre
History, Social Science
Number of Pages
272 Pages

Dimensions

Item Length
5.4in
Item Height
0.5in
Item Width
8in
Item Weight
8.3 Oz

Additional Product Features

Edition Description
Reprint
Reviews
"The evidence that Mr. Keeley marshals is vivid, varied, and often complex."--The New York Times Book Review"The evidence that Mr. Keeley marshals is vivid, varied, and often complex."--The New York Times Book Review"...Keeley is an engaging writer who provides excellent summaries on many topics."--American Anthropologist"A sobering, grim, and important book."--Foreign Affairs, "The evidence that Mr. Keeley marshals is vivid, varied, and oftencomplex."--The New York Times Book Review, "...Keeley is an engaging writer who provides excellent summaries on many topics."--American Anthropologist, "The evidence that Mr. Keeley marshals is vivid, varied, and often complex."--The New York Times Book Review, "...Keeley is an engaging writer who provides excellent summaries on manytopics."--American Anthropologist
Copyright Date
1997
Dewey Decimal
303.6/6/0901
Intended Audience
Trade
Dewey Edition
21
Illustrated
Yes

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Most relevant reviews

5 out of 5 stars
by praxitilesJun 18, 2023
A more than welcome book.
Much better than the typical view of pre-civilization or pre-recorded history, this book opens a door into a condition of vulnerability people once knew as daily reality. You could compare those far-past times to the recent experiences of people in the Ukraine, Poland, or Belarus where outside forces came in to kill, deport, starve, and brutalize a population until it was a hollowed and weakened shell of itself. This book is a decent start to a typically ignored topic.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
5 out of 5 stars
by rambleradioJun 24, 2020
Compelling Evidence from thorough research
Compelling and relying on evidence. Some might find it entirely too technical, but I am finding the work fascinating. The myth of peaceful prehistory among indigenous populations is exposed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned

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