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Inventing Western Civilization (Cornerstone Books) Paperback – January 1, 1997

by Thomas C. Patterson (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 16 ratings
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"In this wonderful book, Thomas Patterson effectively dethrones the concept of 'civilization' as an abstract good, transcending human society."
--Martin Bernal
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of early societies, Thomas C. Patterson shows how class, sexism, and racism have been integral to the appearance of "civilized" societies in Western Europe. He lays out clearly and simply how civilization, with its designs of "civilizing" and "being civilized," has been closely tied to the rise of capitalism in Western Europe and the development of social classes.

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  1. Part of series
    Cornerstone Books
  2. Print length
    156 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Monthly Review Press
  5. Publication date
    January 1, 1997
  6. Dimensions
    5.55 x 0.51 x 8.22 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0853459614
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0853459613
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Editorial Reviews

Review

What is civilization? How has the word come to take on a hierarchical meaning -- the "civilized" versus the "primitive"? Inventing Western Civilization is about the idea of civilization and how the concept has been appropriated by different groups at different times in order to defend their status. Anthropologist Tom Patterson shows how classism, sexism, and racism were as integral to the appearance of "civilized" society in Western Europe as inequality and alienation. He explains, clearly and simply, how civilization (and the process of "civilizing" and "being civilized") has been closely tied to the rise of capitalism in Western Europe, the development of social classes, and the creation of "others" who are distinguished by their socially constructed appearances, behaviors, or essences. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Thomas C. Patterson is Professor and Chair of Anthropology, University of California at Riverside.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monthly Review Press; Reprint edition (January 1, 1997)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 156 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0853459614
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0853459613
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.55 x 0.51 x 8.22 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

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Thomas Carl Patterson

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4.6 out of 5 stars
16 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • richard sauve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Should be, along with Howard Zinn's classic, required High School reading.
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  • Matthew Rivera
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018
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    The book was in great shape when arrived. Thank you.
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  • Zeke
    4.0 out of 5 stars this really makes you think
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2003
    This book was an assigned book in my Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course. Although the premise of the book has nothing to do with the field of cultural anthro, reading it helped me put the notion of "civilization" and such ideas as "culture" and "race" into perspective. Definitely not a book to take to the beach, but a good read for those looking to expand their knowledge of political institutions.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Roy Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK MAY SHATTER YOUR PERSPECTIVE!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2007
    If you truly believe that Western civilization is the worldwide and most complete civilization, while all others are parochial, then this book may shatter your perspective.

    In "Inventing Western Civilization," Thomas C. Patterson suggested that "civilized people are obsessed with their uncivilized kin and neighbors--[so] they call them savages, barbarians or the `masses' who lack their polish, refinement, and sophistication; who... have moved en mass into their midst."

    Patterson develops his argument and explores the idea of civilization in only five short chapters. He examines the constantly changing "social and political conditions in which civilization is produced and deployed."

    The work questions conventional knowledge about the idea of western civilization created by white, male, elites to preserve and perpetuate their power in society.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Quickhappy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous achievement! Quick, clear, and powerful!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2003
    In the short span of 123 pages, Thomas Patterson delivers a stunning and succinct overview of "Western civilization" and its encounters with "savages," different "races," and the Other. He recounts briefly yet movingly the Spanish onslaught of Native Americans, ancient Greek notions of barbarism, the British colonization of Ireland, and more.
    But Patterson only gives the briefest sketch of these meetings--he is more concerned with the ever-changing ideologies with which some Europeans justify the wholesale looting, enslavement, murder, and colonization of others around the globe. He portrays conservative and liberal ideas, as well as racial and economic notions. He sketches the involvement of science with racism and colonialism, and he brings to life the deeply classist and sexist hatreds of Europeans elites--hatreds which easily translated into colonialism (inferiors and feminine types around the world "needed" to be ruled).
    Remarkably, Patterson manages to find space for critiques of "civilization," both from within European societies and from those they encountered. In this way agency is not restricted to a few rich, White Europeans, and the dialogue is constant and contested.
    I assigned this book to my upper division college students, and they comprehended and thrived on this book. It is quick, clear, and powerful--truly a marvelous contribution. I will surely assign it again. Highest recommendation!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • JW
    3.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2018
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    This was a mandatory text book for school, but it's also a great addition to any library.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Quentin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Short, easy introduction to the idea of Civilization
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The author (eminent Archaeologist Thomas Patterson) takes the reader through the origins of the idea of civilization, as a distinguishing, hierarchical concept, as it emerged in the late Renaissance in Europe. It's well cited, but written very simply and in a straightforward fashion. It moves effortlessly between the historical past and the political present, showing how the idea of civilization has come be used in debates about globalization, economic policy, and cultural values.
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