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This book explores the origins of the state and civilisation, examining how political organisation developed in societies from the most primitive to the most advanced. It considers various theories of government from the Enlightenment to modern social science, including perspectives from Marx and Engels.
The author examines both modern primitive states, such as the Zulu and Ashanti in Africa, and archaic civilisations in Mesoamerica, Peru, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus River Valley, and China. By comparing these examples, the book challenges the idea that repressive control and urbanism are necessary for the development of civilisation. It investigates why some great societies stagnated while others advanced and draws lessons from past successes and failures to understand the present. It argues that institutionalised leadership played a key role in the evolution of states and civilisations.
Used (acceptable, see images, some yellowing, dust jacket wear, dust jacket tear, and some cover damage) Hardcover ISBN 0393055477
