Physical anthropology. By F.E. Johnston, Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown Company. 1982. xvii + 468 pp., figures, tables, glossary, bibliography, index. $17.95 (paper)

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 61:131-138 (1983)

Book Reviews

PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY. By F.E. Johnston, Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown Company. 1982. xvii + 468 pp., figures, tables, glossary, bibliography, index. $17.95 (paper).

ical history within the general history of science. It logically shows the biological associations of humans with primates and mammals, although no serious attempt is made to document earlier biological or geological history. Continuity between sections As late as 1960, the instructor would have is good, and the text is unified by reference no trouble choosing a text for a n introductory in later sections to earlier sections. Illustraphysical anthropology class. It would be Hoo- tions are frequent, timely and pertinent to ton’s Up From the Ape, not only a classic, but the points being made; some are rarely seen. also the only textbook available. Since that Key words are in bold-face and a short glostime, a whole shelf-full of texts, some in two sary is provided in the rear of the book; a or three editions, have been published and more extensive glossary containing all the the beleaguered professor must now choose a bold-face key words might be more helpful. single text from among the many. The initial One of the most useful features is a succinct question of criteria arises: on what basis bibliography which contains, in an amazshould the choice be made. After much soul- ingly compact form, a list of recent or classic searching, a workable set of criteria for me articles which will serve as an aid to the and some colleagues has been: 1) a text for student to pursue topics covered in the text. maximal student comprehension of the larger I am also pleased that the book has a large picture; 2) a text discussing arguments rather section on applied physical anthropology, inthan providing easy answers; 3) a well-docu- cluding such topics as demography, nutrimented text providing some data for the stu- tion, growth, and healtwmedical anthrodent to assess at least some of the arguments; pology; even a n ecological history of the fos4) a text balanced for the various topical sils is discernible as a theme. Indeed, I find only two minor flaws with areas into which our subdiscipline is splintering; 5) good illustrations and general the book-an undesirable number of typoaesthetic presentation; and 6) not the least is graphical errors (which one is not accustomed to seeing in Johnston’s work), and a accuracy. When asked to review Dr. Johnston’s book, time chart (Table 9-2) which is confusing. In sum, Johnston has created a book which these criteria came immediately to mind. When compared with the criteria, Physical will serve well in undergraduate courses to Anthropology does well, indeed. Johnston’s introduce students to our fascinating discibook is divided into six major sections, each pline. The level of difficulty is such that they given approximately equal weighting: 1. The ought to come out of the course having acPhysical Anthropological Perspective (44 quired a general understanding of the field pages); 2. Evolution: The Organization of and knowledge of its basic findings without Change (71 pages); 3. The Primates: The Hu- becoming mired in minutiae, as well as havman Biological and Cultural Heritage (77 ing a n indication of the areas of our ignopages); 4. Paleoanthropology: The Record of rance. Given the topics and the way they are Human Evolution (104 pages); 5. Human covered, further interest in the subject ought Adaptation: Biological Responses to Environ- to be generated as well. mental Stress (54pages); and 6. Human Ecology, Environmental Complexity and Human Biology (71 pages). JOHN M. MCCULLOUGH I like the book. It begins with a historical The University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah background, including physical anthropolog-

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1983 ALAN R LISS. INC