63 pages • 2 hours read
Bronislaw MalinowskiArgonauts of the Western Pacific: An Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea (1922)
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1922A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Argonauts of the Western Pacific, by Bronislaw Malinowski, explores the customs and trade practices of the Trobriand people in the Kiriwana islands, with a particular focus on the Kula, a ceremonial exchange of shell jewelry that confers social status. The book provides an in-depth look into Trobriand trade, magic, agriculture, and social structures, advocating for immersive and objective ethnographic research.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bronislaw Malinowski's Argonauts of the Western Pacific is a seminal work in anthropology, praised for its detailed ethnographic fieldwork and pioneering participant observation method. While its comprehensive insights into the Trobriand Islanders' trade system are celebrated, some critiques highlight its colonial perspective and dated interpretations. Overall, a critical but foundational text.
Who Should Read Argonauts of the Western Pacific?
Readers who enjoyed Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead or The Golden Bough by James Frazer would relish Argonauts of the Western Pacific. Anthropology enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by fieldwork, cultural practices, and the development of participant observation, will find this seminal work deeply engaging.