Discover / Book
The collapse of complex societies
Joseph A. Tainter · 1988 · 250 pages
Ancient CivilizationCivilizationComparative civilizationPhilosophyArchaeologyRegression (Civilization)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some book links are affiliate links; you pay the same price and we may earn a small commission.
About this book
A survey of complex (post-hunter-gatherer, hierarchical) societies and their collapse, and the various theories proposed to account for collapse. The author develops his own theory based on the increasing cost of managing complexity that acheives decreasing marginal benefits.
Appears in these reading paths
The Bronze Age collapse: books to read, in order
Intermediate10books85 hrs4 stages
Related reading guides
Reader reviews
Ratings and notes from readers — tagged with how deep into the subject they were.
Loading reviews…