Placeholder text

Go to cart

The Character of Kingship

By Declan Quigley

The Character of Kingship Law

The Character of Kingship

0 - Used - good
Description
Why has monarchy been such a prevalent institution throughout history and in such a diverse range of societies? Kingship is at the heart of both ritual and politics and has major implications for the theory of social and cultural anthropology. Yet, despite the contemporary fascination with royalty, anthropologists have sorely neglected the subject in recent decades. This book combines a strong theoretical argument with a wealth of ethnography from kingships in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Quigley gives a timely and much-needed overview of the anthropology of kingship and a crucial reassessment of the contributions of Frazer and Hocart to debates about the nature and function of royal ritual. From diverse fieldwork sites, a number of eminent anthropologists demonstrate how ritual and power intertwine to produce a series of variations around myth, tragedy and historical realities. However, underneath this diversity, two common themes invariably emerge: the attempt to portray kingship as timeless and perfect, and the dual nature of the king as sacred being and scapegoat.
Product details
Edition:
1
Number of Pages:
268
Release Date:
2005-12-16
Publication Date:
2005-09-01
Publisher:
Routledge
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
1845202902
ISBN13:
9781845202903
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:
[email protected]
Weight:
570 g
Height:
161 cm
Width:
240 cm
Thickness:
19 cm
Buy on Amazon
Currently sold out