Perspective

The book is written in first person, totally from Chagnon's point of view. The view is limited completely to Chagnon's impressions and observations, which is the only method available to this author. The purpose of the book is to chronicle Chagnon's observations and the details of his research. The book is based on his time among the Yanomamo tribes of Brazil and Venezuela. The majority of the book is written in exposition. The brief sections of dialogue provide the reader with a glimpse of the conversations that occurred between Chagnon, the author, and the members of the Yanomamo tribes he studied.

The book was first published after Chagnon's research trips in the 1960s. The most recent edition—the fifth—was published after return trips by Chagnon and the added chapter at the conclusion of the book notes the changes among the Yanomamo tribes over the course...