In The Value of Comparison Peter van der Veer highlights anthropology's continuing ability to gain insights on the whole through the comparative study of the particular and unique while critiquing the quantitative social sciences for their sweeping generalizations.
The Spiritual and the Secular in China and India
Interactions with Western imperial power have significantly influenced nationalism in China and India, as explored in this insightful study. Peter van der Veer's deep understanding of both societies allows for a perceptive analysis that balances readability with scholarly rigor. The book is recommended for both specialists and general readers, offering valuable perspectives on the modern spirit of Asia.
Examining the interplay between colonizer and colonized, this book explores how Britain's colonization of India influenced both Indian and British cultures, particularly through the lens of religion. It highlights the development of national identities in both nations shaped by their shared colonial history, emphasizing the roles of religion and secularity in conceptualizing modernity. Additionally, the author delves into the evolving ideas of gender, race, language, spirituality, and science during the latter half of the nineteenth century.