Becoming an Anthropologist By Alan Macfarlane

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the journey to becoming an anthropologist. After completing a two-year M.Phil. at the London School of Economics, Alan Macfarlane pursued his doctoral studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. In December 1968, Macfarlane and his wife embarked on fifteen months of immersive fieldwork among the Gurungs of the Annapurna mountains in Nepal. Drawing from extensive contemporary materials such as diaries, letters, fieldwork notes, photographs, and film links, the book stands as perhaps the most comprehensive account of fieldwork based on firsthand materials ever published. The insights and results derived from this research are documented across various publications, as noted within the volume.

Why You Should Read This Book:

1. Rich Firsthand Fieldwork Experience: Gain unique insights into anthropological fieldwork directly from the detailed notes and observations recorded during the actual experience.
2. Comprehensive and Authentic Materials: The book is backed by authentic materials, including diaries, letters, and photographs, offering an unparalleled depth of understanding.
3. Learn from a Distinguished Scholar: Alan Macfarlane’s extensive academic background and fieldwork in Nepal, Japan, and China enrich the narrative with scholarly rigor.
4. Understand Diverse Cultures: Discover the Gurungs of the Annapurna mountains and broaden your cultural perspectives through vivid descriptions and real-life experiences.
5. Inspirational for Aspiring Anthropologists: An invaluable guide for students and enthusiasts of anthropology, showcasing the practical challenges and rewards of field research.

About the Author:

Alan Macfarlane was born in Assam, India, in December 1941, the son of a tea planter. Educated at prestigious institutions including the Dragon School in Oxford and Sedbergh School in Yorkshire, he holds a Master’s and D.Phil. in History from Oxford, as well as an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of London. Macfarlane is an Emeritus Professor of Anthropological Science at the University of Cambridge, a Life Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, and a Fellow of the British Academy.