Anthropology : Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

When you need to define your topic and/or get some background reading try consulting an anthropological dictionary or encyclopedia. The most recent print editions are located in the Reference Collection on level 3 South. Some are also available electronically.

Coverage can vary from just short entries to in-depth essays with recommendations for further reading. Many of them include biographical information.

If you need to read more widely - particularly on theoretical topics which have their beginnings in related disciplines such as sociology - try a keyword search in the catalogue. Here are some examples: 

skey postmodernism and (skey dictionaries or skey encyclopedias) - for Postmodernism

(skey "social sciences" or skey sociology) and (skey dictionaries or skey encyclopedias) - for Social theory generally

("cultural studies" or skey "popular culture") and (skey dictionaries or skey encyclopedias) - for Culture

To see what's available in electronic format simply apply the electronic resources limiter to your search.

Dictionaries/encyclopedies on specific subjects (Folklore, Religions etc) can be found in individual subject guides.

Last update: 18 January 2005  

This page is maintained by Helen Attar