The multiple ways in which people relate to animals provide a revealing window through which to examine a culture. Western cultures tend to view animals either as pets or food, and often overlook the vast number of roles that they may play within a culture and in social life more generally: their use in medicine, folk traditions and rituals. This comprehensive and very readable study focuses on Malawi people and their rich and varied relationship with animals -- from hunting through to their use as medicine. More broadly, through a rigorous and detailed study the author provides insights which show how the people's relationship to their world manifests itself not strictly in social relations, but just as tellingly in their relatioships with animals -- that, in fact, animals constitute a vital role in social relations. While significantly advancing classic African ethnographic studies, this book also incorporates current debates in a wide range of disciplines -- from anthropology through to gender studies and ecology.

Encapsulating as it does research that has been undertaken on the sociological, anthropological and political aspects of the history of ancient Israel, this important book is designed to follow in the tradition of works in the series sponsored by The Society for Old Testament Study which began with the publication of The People and the Book in 1925. The World of Ancient Israel is especially concerned to explore in greater depth than comparable studies the areas and degrees of overlap between approaches to the subject of Old Testament research adopted by scholars and students of theology and the social sciences. Increasing numbers of scholars have recognised the valuable insights that can be gained from a cross-disciplinary approach, and it is becoming clear that the early biblical traditions about the formation of the Israelite state must be examined in the light of comparative anthropology if useful historical conclusions are to be drawn from them.

A practical manual for training and reference use of USAF weather forecasters who will work in the tropics, it covers basic facts of climatology, circulation, synoptic models, analysis and forecasting, application throughout the tropics. A broad survey is made of the literature, evaluated in light of the experience of the author. Physical factors controlling tropical circulations are briefly discussed. The data sources for synoptic purposes are reviewed. Climatology of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall and disturbances is presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and for forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. Emphasis is placed on uses of climatology and satellite cloud photos. Over 230 figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author serve to illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included.

Where did we come from? Why are we here? Is there a god? In our modern world, many people yearn for answers to these most fundamental of life's questions, having become disillusioned with trite explanations and troubled by narratives that deny their intuitive spirituality. Beginning with some of our most ancient ancestors, Wakan Tanka traces the evolution of humanity through the ages. Citing paleontological and archaeological discoveries, along with recent genetic evidence, it recounts how mankind evolved from the earliest mammals into anatomically and behaviourally modern humans. Wakan Tanka describes how human culture and spirituality evolved in concert with anatomy. Showing how humankind has, since very ancient times, had an instinctual, moral sense, it discusses how our spirituality has given us an appreciation for both the aesthetic and divine aspects of life as reflected in our cultures and artistic endeavours. By comparing philosophical and religious views of creation with modern scientific theory, Wakan Tanka reaches the conclusion that, rather than conflicting, these views are remarkably similar and equally valid ways of describing the same reality. Indeed, our scientific knowledge and spiritual beliefs can be harmonized, providing us with a deeper understanding of ourselves, of creation and of life's purpose.