Europe and the Near East: The Presence and Absence of Metals queries the assumption of the earlier advantage of the West in attaining industrialization. Professor Goody contends that the Near East (an area which includes the Middle East) started what archaeologists call civilization with the Bronze Age, developing its own renaissance and extension of trade influencing Europe. However, it was always handicapped by the absence of iron and coal. And it was the plentiful exploitation of these in Britain, with the help of German metallurgists, that made way for the industrial revolution in Europe, rather than any Protestant ethic which represents a Europeanist point of view. Published by AMSS UK. Jack R. Goody Professor Goody is an acclaimed social anthropologist, writer, Fellow of the British Academy, and Emeritus William Wyse Professor of Social Anthropology at St. John's College, University of Cambridge. He is also one of the world’s pre-eminent social scientists. A prolific author he has published over 20 books on a number of diverse subjects including kinship, literacy, culture, and history.

Paperback: 978-1-56564-589-9 eBook: 978-1-94588-610-2 Size: 6x9 inches Pages: 17 Year of Publication: 2012 Published by AMSS UK