Alfred Cort Haddon (1855–1940) was a highly influential British anthropologist and ethnologist who was instrumental in the foundation of a school of anthropology at Cambridge University. During 1898 and 1899, Haddon led an expedition which conducted ethnographical research in the Torres Strait, New Guinea, and Borneo. The main results of this expedition were compiled in a series of volumes, written by various contributors. Originally published in 1935, this is the first volume in the series. It was written entirely by Haddon himself, and contains a broad variety of historical, geographical, and ethnographical accounts regarding the region. A large number of illustrative figures are also contained, demonstrating the various aspects of life among the indigenous peoples. This is a fascinating book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of anthropology and ethnology.
