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.

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.