Review of the Category: Anthropology Textbooks Introduction The study of anthropology is an interdisciplinary field that examines human behavior and culture across time and space. It draws upon a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, archaeology, linguistics, and more. One of the most important resources for students studying anthropology are textbooks, which provide a comprehensive overview of the field and its key concepts and theories. In this review, we will examine five different anthropology textbooks and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses based on various criteria. Cultural Anthropology: A Global Perspective (8th Edition) by James L. Fitzgerald is one of the most widely used anthropology textbooks in higher education today. The book provides a broad overview of cultural anthropology, covering topics such as language, religion, kinship, and politics. It also includes chapters on specific regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on global perspectives, which allows students to see how cultural practices and beliefs are shaped by historical and political forces at a global level. However, some critics have noted that the book can be quite dense and difficult to read, especially for students who are new to anthropology. Anthropology (8th Edition) by David Bordo is another popular textbook in the field of anthropology. This book provides a more focused examination of cultural anthropology, with chapters on topics such as language, religion, and social organization. It also includes case studies from around the world to illustrate these concepts in practice. One of the strengths of this book is its clear and concise writing style, which makes it easy for students to understand complex ideas. However, some critics have noted that the book can be quite dry and lacks a sense of excitement or relevance for many readers. Anthropology: Contemporary Perspectives (8th Edition) by David Bordo is another textbook in the field of anthropology that focuses on contemporary issues and debates within the discipline. This book covers topics such as globalization, environmentalism, and cultural identity, with case studies from around the world to illustrate these concepts. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on current events and contemporary issues, which makes it relevant for students who are interested in understanding how anthropology can be applied to real-world problems. However, some critics have noted that the book can be quite abstract and difficult to follow for readers who are not familiar with the field. Anthropology: A Global Perspective (7th Edition) by James L. Fitzgerald is a slightly older version of the same textbook as the 8th edition. This book provides a broad overview of cultural anthropology, covering topics such as language, religion, kinship, and politics. It also includes chapters on specific regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on global perspectives, which allows students to see how cultural practices and beliefs are shaped by historical and political forces at a global level. However, some critics have noted that the book can be quite dense and difficult to read, especially for students who are new to anthropology. Instructor's Review Copy Cultural Anthropology A Global Perspective 8th Edition is a special edition of the same textbook as the regular version. This edition includes additional materials such as instructor's notes, discussion questions, and exams to help instructors incorporate the book into their courses more effectively. One of the strengths of this edition is its comprehensive set of supplementary materials, which can be very helpful for instructors who are looking to integrate the textbook into their teaching. However, some critics have noted that the additional materials can make the book even denser and harder to read than the regular version. MyAnthroLab with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Cultural Anthropology: A Global Perspective (8th Edition) is an online resource that accompanies the textbook. This resource includes a variety of materials such as interactive quizzes, videos, and case studies to help students engage more deeply with the material in the book. One of the strengths of this resource is its accessibility, which allows students to use it from anywhere with an internet connection. However, some critics have noted that the online format can be distracting for some readers, and that they may prefer a physical copy of the textbook as well. Cultural Anthropology: A Global Perspective, Books a la Carte Plus MyAnthroLab with eText -- Access Card Package (8th Edition) is another package deal that includes both the textbook and the online resource. This package offers students the best of both worlds, allowing them to have access to both the physical copy of the book and the online resources at a discounted price. One of the strengths of this package is its affordability, which can be especially important for students who are on a tight budget. However, some critics have noted that the package deal may not offer as much flexibility as purchasing each resource separately, depending on individual needs and preferences. Conclusion In conclusion, anthropology textbooks play an essential role in providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and its key concepts and theories. The five books reviewed here all have their strengths and weaknesses based on various criteria such as readability, relevance, and accessibility. Students who are interested in studying anthropology should carefully consider these factors when choosing a textbook for their course, and instructors should also take into account the needs of their students when selecting materials to support their teaching.