Books by Michael (Professor of Anthropology Carrithers

Aims to provide an introduction to anthropology, showing it as an activity which helps us to understand human social and cultural diversity. This book is also an invitation to anthropologists, which began with the question: "Why do humans have such diverse cultures and ways of life?".

Michael Carrithers guides us through the complex and sometimes conflicting information that Buddhist texts give about the life and teaching of the Buddha. He discusses the social and political background of India in the Buddha's time, and traces the development of his thought. He also assesses the rapid and widespread assimilation of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance.