49 pages • 1 hour read
Charles KingGods of the Upper Air: How a Circle of Renegade Anthropologists Reinvented Race, Sex, and Gender in the Twentieth Century
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Gods of the Upper Air by Charles King follows the transformative journey of anthropologists like Franz Boas, Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, Zora Neale Hurston, and Ella Cara Deloria, who challenged the prevailing racial, gender, and sexual norms of their time. The book showcases their groundbreaking fieldwork and their pioneering role in debunking racial science, advocating for cultural relativity, and laying the groundwork for modern anthropology.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Charles King's Gods of the Upper Air expertly explores the transformative work of anthropologist Franz Boas and his protégés. Critics praise its engaging narrative and thorough research, celebrating its contribution to understanding cultural anthropology. Some, however, note a complex structure and dense academic focus may challenge general readers. Overall, it's a compelling read for those interested in history and anthropology.
Who Should Read Gods of the Upper Air?
Readers who enjoy Gods of the Upper Air by Charles King are typically intrigued by cultural anthropology, social justice, and historical biographies. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Sapiens will appreciate its exploration of groundbreaking thinkers such as Franz Boas and his impact on modern anthropology.