The Old Way

A Story of the First People

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

Genre

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Old Way" by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas is a captivating exploration of the ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle that still existed in the Kalahari Desert in the 1950s. Through her personal experiences and meticulous research, Thomas offers a unique insight into the daily lives, beliefs, and social dynamics of the Ju/wasi bushmen.

In this thought-provoking narrative, Thomas seamlessly weaves together her observations with the folklore and mythology that underpin the bushmen's existence. She delves deep into their remarkable techniques for survival, including their methods of hunting, gathering, and sharing resources within their tight-knit communities.

With vivid descriptions, Thomas depicts intimate details of the bushmen's relationships and customs. She provides intimate glimpses into their dances, storytelling rituals, and trance ceremonies, shedding light on the spiritual and cultural dimensions of their lives.

Not shying away from the challenges faced by these communities, Thomas also discusses the impact of modernization and colonization on their way of life and the threats posed by encroaching settlements and changes in land ownership. By doing so, she raises important questions about sustainability, cultural preservation, and the delicate balance between tradition and progress.

"The Old Way" is an enlightening and empathetic account that transports readers to a time and place vastly different from our own. Through her masterful storytelling, Thomas highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultures, making this book as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 2006.

Explore More Books

See All
She Said
Future Babble
The Sense of Style
One Up
Getting to Maybe
Steve Jobs
Fingerprints of the Gods
The Postman Always Rings Twice
The Chile Project
Leadership the Outward Bound Way
Getting Past No
First a Dream
In Defense of a Liberal Education
The Goal
Quality Investing
Anna Karenina
The Master Plan
Dare To Fly
The Rational Optimist
A Bite-Sized History of France
Lateral Thinking
How The Scots Invented The Modern World
The Hate U Give
House of Morgan
The Economics of Microfinance
Friday Black
The Cold Start Problem
The Alliance
Nuclear Terrorism
The Science of Liberty
Mother of God
The Third Pillar
This Time Is Different
Invariances
Alchemy
Everything Happens For a Reason
Unelected Power
Chaos Monkeys
Rainbows End
The Journalist and the Murderer
Loonshots
The Revolt of the Public