Volksgeist as Method and Ethic: Essays on Boasian Ethnography and the German Anthropological Tradition

George W. Stocking Jr. delves deep into the legacy of Franz Boas, a pivotal figure in the establishment of anthropology as a recognized discipline in the United States. Through a collection of insightful essays, Stocking examines how Boas’s ethnographic methods and ethical considerations were influenced by the German anthropological tradition, highlighting the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped Boas's thinking.

By scrutinizing the concept of Volksgeist, or the spirit of the people, Stocking reveals the intricate relationship between national culture and anthropological practice. He provides a critical analysis of how these ideas informed Boas's approach to understanding diverse cultures, thereby challenging the hierarchies often present in anthropological studies of the time.

Stocking's exploration not only pays homage to Boas’s contributions but also invites readers to reconsider the methodological and ethical frameworks that continue to define anthropology today. This book is a thought-provoking examination of the historical roots and ongoing implications of ethnographic study, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of cultural context in the discipline.