This work investigates the historical development of ethnological theory and the evolution of anthropological thought from the eighteenth century through the early twentieth century. Robert H. Lowie, a prominent figure in the Boasian school of American anthropology, utilizes his extensive knowledge of cultural history to trace the intellectual lineage of the field. He presents a critical framework that evaluates the contributions of various schools of thought, including evolutionism, diffusionism, and functionalism, while assessing their methodological rigor and theoretical validity.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational text for understanding the historiography of American anthropology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a primary source for students examining the intellectual shifts within the discipline.