This collection of essays, edited by Bornstein (anthropology, U. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and Redfield (anthropology, U. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), examines the relatively recent transformation of war casualties into humanitarian crises. The contributors investigate humanitarianism from an anthropological viewpoint, considering common practices and political elements such as with nongovernmental organization. The current heavy media coverage of humanitarian crises is in stark contrast to similar situations in human history, an element which is considered throughout the essays. This book appeals to those studying anthropology. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)