Ebook: The Early State

The Early State is a monumental book. It is an attempt to coordinate and integrate theories of state formation and to present a number of case studies at the same time. The book consists of a theoretical introduction by the editors (Thesis, 1-107), the presentation of a number of case studies by different authors (Antithesis, 109-529) and a critical evaluation of the data presented in the book again by the editors (Synthesis, 530-650). Far from being a Hegelian attempt to develop a phenomenology of the early state, the book rests on a firm empirical base. The main part consists of 21 case studies devoted to Angkor, Ankole, Axum, China, Egypt, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Inca state, Galla state, Kachari state, Kuba state, Mauryan state, early states in Norway, among the Scythians, in Tahiti, in the Voltaic basin, Yoruba states and the early state among the Zande. These articles are written by leading authorities in their respective fields, and the case studies represent a rich source of information on early states.