The Reality of Hunter-Gatherers

What would our lives be like without the misery and inequity of state and class? Without these limiting systems, we might resemble pre-modern hunter-gatherer societies, some of which still exist today—the !Kung, the Hadza, the Baka, the Mbuti. Backed by extensive and compelling investigation, researcher James A. Heffernan takes a look at hunter-gatherers, past and present, as a vision of human life in a socially and economically egalitarian society. Heffernan illustrates the crucial, humane lessons we can learn from hunter-gatherer societies, analyzing elements such as economics, mobility, social relations, psychology, even child-rearing practices and spirituality. Heffernan’s clear and approachable work is sure to inspire and enlighten all readers.