The interpretation of cultures

This book, published in 1973, is a collection of essays by Clifford Geertz that transformed the field of anthropology.

Geertz argues for an interpretive approach to understanding culture, emphasizing the importance of 'thick description' – a method that involves deeply detailed descriptions of cultural activities in their context.

The book challenges the traditional view of culture as a set of behaviors or practices and instead posits it as a web of symbols and meanings interpreted differently within each cultural context.

It has been highly influential not only in anthropology but also in sociology, cultural studies, and literary theory.