Eight essays including one by Boas himself tracing the German intellectual influences and traditions that helped to shaped the enthographic practices of the man considered to be the founding figure of US anthropology. The lineage draws lines from Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt through Ritter, Ratzel, Waitz, and Bastian to Boas. Drawing on research and letters, the cultural forces that shaped Boas' s ideas are explored and pitted against the problematic aspects of his work with Native American groups, particularly with the Kwakiutl people and California Indians. Includes photographs. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.