The Forest People
ISBN:9780671640996 read summary

This is a fine study of how a pygmy tribe in Africa based on hunting and gathering tries to maintain its own mores while living in proximity to Negro tribes who have settled down and become farmers with banana plantations.

Shame on the publisher.

I bought this book for an anthropology course. The words were jumbled and out of order and made very little sense. Chapter headings and footnotes were mixed in with the text. I had to borrow the book from a library because my copy was so unreadable. The story itself is amazing; I loved it. But to sell a book that is printed like that...it is inexcusable.

These pygmees live in northeastern Congo. It is now a nature reserve, but war, gold mining, and migration obviously means that their lifestyle is doomed. But in 2010 it is still there. The book is an anthropological study, but more so, I would say, a easy read about a fascinating people.

There is a great store when some of the forest people see an open field for the first time in their life. They wonder what kind of ants are those animals. The animals are far far away, but the people have never ever seen an open vista, so they assume the animals are very close. Fascinating story that I'm sure could got be heard anymore.

Welcome to the magical world of the forest Pygmies.
An almost seemingly fictitious land filled with peaceful, contented people. Well written. Not technical.

During the mid 1950's the author spent three years living amongst the nomadic African Pygmies observing everyday life. From the sacred "molimo" ceremonies and adult initiation rituals for both genders, to hunting/gathering practices and relationships with neighboring villagers, this is a perceptive look into the cultural lives of primitive peoples.

An entertaining and meaningful read.

The Forest People is a must-read for any human, especially cultural anthropologists. Turnbull is often cited in pygmy studies and deservingly so! He is eloquent, didactic, and entertaining. Fantastic for a summer read!