This is the first exploration of modern Australian social anthropology which examines the forces that helped shaped its formation. In his new work, Geoffrey Gray reveals the struggle to establish and consolidate anthropology in Australia as an academic discipline. He argues that to do so, anthropologists had to demonstrate that their discipline was the predominant interpreter of Indigenous life. Thus they were able, and called on, to assist government in the control, development and advancement of Indigenous peoples. Gray aims to help us understand the present organisational structures, and assist in the formulation of anthropology's future role in Australia; to provide a wider political and social context for Australian social anthropology, and to consider the importance of anthropology as a past definer of Indigenous people. Gray's work complements and adds to earlier publications: Wolfe's Settler Colonialism and the Transformation of Anthropology, McGregor's Imagined Destinies and Anderson's Cultivating Whiteness.

"An exploration of the failures of reason in human life and the enduring role of myth in science, politics, and morality"--

In ancient Greece, the spoken word connoted power, whether in the free speech accorded to citizens or in the voice of the poet, whose song was thought to know no earthly bounds. But how did silence fit into the mental framework of a society that valued speech so highly? Here Silvia Montiglio provides the first comprehensive investigation into silence as a distinctive and meaningful phenomenon in archaic and classical Greece. Arguing that the notion of silence is not a universal given but is rather situated in a complex network of associations and values, Montiglio seeks to establish general principles for understanding silence through analyses of cultural practices, including religion, literature, and law. Unlike the silence of a Christian before an ineffable God, which signifies the uselessness of words, silence in Greek religion paradoxically expresses the power of logos--for example, during prayer and sacrifice, it serves as a shield against words that could offend the gods. Montiglio goes on to explore silence in the world of the epic hero, where words are equated with action and their absence signals paralysis or tension in power relationships. Her other examples include oratory, a practice in which citizens must balance their words with silence in very complex ways in order to show that they do not abuse their right to speak. Inquiries into lyric poetry, drama, medical writings, and historiography round out this unprecedented study, revealing silence as a force in its own right.

Within the pages of 'The Spirit of the Vikings' lies a comprehensive compilation of Norse literary works, providing a profound insight into the formidable and enigmatic world of Viking culture. This anthology brings together an array of epic narratives, including the sagas of kings and heroes, tales of voyages, familial conflicts, migrations, and the feats that define the ancient Nordic tapestry. Interwoven into these narratives are the Elder and Younger Eddas, presenting an invaluable perspective on the Norse mythological canon and elevating the reader's understanding of texts that are integral to the historical and literary context of the Viking Age. The inclusion of Norse ballads and mythology further illuminates the cultural ethos and spiritual beliefs that powered the Vikings' lives and afterlives, capturing the raw essence of a people steadfast in their convictions and honor. In an enigmatic decision befitting the lore it contains, the author of 'The Spirit of the Vikings' has chosen anonymity, yet the work speaks volumes of a keen editor with a profound understanding of Norse antiquity. The amalgamation of the sagas and Eddas suggests a dedication to preserving collective memory and a deep respect for the storytelling tradition that has kept these tales alive through the ages. The author may have deliberately faded into obscurity to highlight the collective voice of the Norse people, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the content rather than the compiler, an act that mirrors the Norse veneration for their shared heritage and lore over individual celebrity. 'The Spirit of the Vikings' is an indispensable literary odyssey for enthusiasts of epic literature, historians of medieval Scandinavia, or anyone fascinated by the fabled Viking era. It is not merely an anthology but a bridge across time, connecting modern-day readers with the ancient sagas and myths that shaped a civilization steeped in bravery, exploration, and spiritual depth. This tome is a treasure for those seeking to imbue their intellect with the profound narratives that are as much a part of the Northern landscape as the fjords and the midnight sun. Join the odyssey, embrace the ethos, and allow the spirit of the Vikings to resonate through the corridors of time.

Volume II of Sam Houston's personal correspondence continues the four-volume series of previously unpublished personal letters to and from Sam Houston, covering the time 1846 to 1848. "Writing to people he knew and assuming confidentiality, Houston was unrestrained in his candor in discussing affairs of state and other aspects of his life and career. . . . "--AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN.