Books by Michael W. Young

The Melanesians of Goodenough Island, off the eastern coast of New Guinea, have developed the principle of gift-giving to an extraordinary degree. Instead of resorting to arms in their quarrels or demanding compensation for offences, they present enemies and offenders with pigs and yams in order to shame them.

Drawing on a rich array of primary documents, including Malinowski's letters and unpublished diaries and manuscripts, Michael Young provides new information about the anthropologist's personality, private life and career.