Theory of Culture Change: The Methodology of Multilinear Evolution

“In a collection of papers spanning some 20 years of work, Steward argues persuasively that cultural change consists of complex, continuing processes, rather than isolable acts or events of unitary character (‘diffusion’ versus ‘independent invention’).... With the increasing preponderance of studies of cultural change in archaeology as well as anthropology this volume assumes as much importance for the prehistorian as for the student of contemporary societies.” — American Antiquity. “This is a book which students of culture will not want to miss. ... Particularly valuable are the studies of ecology in relation to culture, and the analyses of patrilineal bands in various parts of the world.” — The Quarterly Review of Biology. “...has the great merit of bringing together scattered but important pieces and of helping us to trace the development of Dr. Steward’s thinking. .. . because the author is so experienced, informed and gifted an anthropologist and thinker, the volume as it stands is a most interesting, evocative, and challenging one.” — American Sociological Review. The late JULIAN H. STEWARD was professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana.