This book is not for the faint of heart. With nearly 500 pages of data about the cultures of the steppes, this isn't the easiest thing to read, but is very insightful. The book describes the spread of the Indo-European language family and the technologies and advancements that allowed the language to spread the way it did. The book was definitely written for Anthony's peers, and not regular Joe's but if you want to truly understand everything about the Indo-European language, people and technology this is the book to read.
- Robert E. Lee
It is a really tough book, but pretty important. It's wild to think of how years of study have pieced together this knowledge. There's tons of stuff in there to support our "theory debate." Like this gem from page 191: "Participation in long-distance trade, gift exchange, and a new set of cults requiring public sacrifices and feasting became the foundation for a new kind of social power....Those who loaned animals acquired power over those who borrowed them, and those who sponsored feasts obligated their guests." Sounds like the beer theory to me...
ReplyDeleteNice work.
-Mrs. McCabe