The Collapse of Complex Societies
The Collapse of Complex Societies by Joseph Tainter, published by Cambridge University Press in 1988, is a reprint edition comprising 250 pages in English. This book examines the phenomenon of political disintegration throughout history, offering insights that resonate across various social sciences. Dr. Tainter, an archaeologist, presents nearly two dozen cases of societal collapse, drawing from over 2000 years of historical explanations to develop a comprehensive theory that addresses the complexities of societal disintegration.
Readers will find a detailed analysis of significant historical examples, including the Roman, Mayan, and Chacoan societies, as Tainter clarifies the processes that lead to collapse. The book emphasizes the relevance of these historical lessons for contemporary and future societies, making it a valuable resource for those interested in history, social science, and archaeology. Through his exploration, Tainter provides a framework for understanding the dynamics of complex societies and the factors that contribute to their decline.
Official synopsis Publisher
Political disintegration is a persistent feature of world history. The Collapse of Complex Societies, though written by an archaeologist, will therefore strike a chord throughout the social sciences. Any explanation of societal collapse carries lessons not just for the study of ancient societies, but for the members of all such societies in both the present and future. Dr. Tainter describes nearly two dozen cases of collapse and reviews more than 2000 years of explanations. He then develops a new and far-reaching theory that accounts for collapse among diverse kinds of societies, evaluating his model and clarifying the processes of disintegration by detailed studies of the Roman, Mayan and Chacoan collapses.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Collapse of Complex Societies” about?
Who is the author of “The Collapse of Complex Societies”?
When was “The Collapse of Complex Societies” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Collapse of Complex Societies”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
