Payback, the logic of retribution in Melanesian religions

Trompf, G.W.

ISBN 10: 0521416914 / ISBN 13: 9780521416917

Edité par Cambridge University Press, 1994

A propos de cet article

1994. South Pacific, Oceania. Cambridge University Press. Very good - near fine boards and very good - near fine dust jacket 545p. 3/25.

N° de réf. du vendeur 26011

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Payback, the logic of retribution in Melanesian religions
• Éditeur: Cambridge University Press
• Date de parution: 1994
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN à 10 chiffres: 0521416914
• ISBN à 13 chiffres: 9780521416917
• Reliure: Hardcover
• État de l'article: Near Fine

A propos de ce titre

Synopsis

In this study Garry Trompf shows how various aspects of 'payback', both negative and positive, provide the best indices to an understanding of Melanesian views of life.

Présentation de l'éditeur

Near to the heart of the human predicament are impulses to avenge - what most of us will recognize to be negative, counterproductive reactions against others who pose a threat. By contrast, nothing re-establishes our faith in humanity more than extraordinary acts of concession, such as peace-making, generosity and sacrifice. In this study Garry Trompf shows how various aspects of 'payback', both negative and positive, provide the best indices to an understanding of Melanesian views of life. The book explores the reasons why people 'pay back' and opens up a whole dimension in the cross-cultural study of human consciousness. The author conducts his readers through the most complex anthropological pageant on earth, illustrating his arguments from western New Guinea to Fiji.