Understanding 'The History of Human Marriage'

The question asks about the author of the renowned book titled 'The History of Human Marriage'. Identifying the correct author is crucial in understanding the origins and development of the institution of marriage as studied in sociology and anthropology.

Author of 'The History of Human Marriage'

'The History of Human Marriage' is a foundational text in the study of marriage, family, and society. This comprehensive work explores the evolutionary history of human marriage, examining its origins and various forms across different cultures and historical periods.

The author of this influential book is Edvard Westermarck. Westermarck was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist who conducted extensive research on the history of moral ideas and social institutions, particularly marriage.

His major work, 'The History of Human Marriage', was originally published in several volumes, starting in the late 19th century. The option provided, which includes the name Westermarck and the year 1921, refers to a later edition or publication related to this significant work.

Analyzing the Options

• Maclver and Page, 1927: Robert Morrison Maclver and Charles H. Page are known for their sociology textbook 'Society: An Introductory Analysis', first published in 1949, not 'The History of Human Marriage'.
• Westermark, 1921: Edvard Westermarck is the correct author of 'The History of Human Marriage'. The year 1921 aligns with a significant edition or publication related to his multi-volume work on the subject.
• Durkheim, 1914: Émile Durkheim was a key figure in sociology, known for works like 'The Rules of Sociological Method' and 'The Division of Labour in Society', not 'The History of Human Marriage'.
• Kingsley Davis, 1920: Kingsley Davis was a prominent sociologist and demographer known for his work on population and social structure, not for writing 'The History of Human Marriage'.

Based on the authorship of 'The History of Human Marriage', Edvard Westermarck is the correct individual associated with this title.