康拉德·菲利普·科塔克，1963年获哥伦比亚学院文学学士学位，1966年获哥伦比亚大学博士学位。自1968年起执教于密歇根大学，为该校的人类学教授。1996年至2006年问，主持该校人类学系的工作。1999年因为在人类学本科教学中的杰出贡献两被美国人类学协会授予“AAA／梅菲尔德奖”。2005年当选为美国人文与科学学院院士。

科塔克教授的田野点包括巴西(1962年始)、马达加斯加(1966年始)及美国。总的研究兴趣在于地方文化并入(以及抵制被并入)更大的体系的过程。这一兴趣点将他早期在马达加斯加及非洲其他地区所做的关于生态与国家形成的研究和他近期关于全球变迁、国家和国际文化以及大众传媒的研究联系起来。

This careful revision of one of the best-selling General Anthropology texts available now features vastly expanded coverage of physical anthropology and archaeology. This serves to make Kottak the most balanced introduction to the four fields of anthropology. A wealth of the "Where In The World" Maps lets students view important geographical data "up close" as well as in the broader context of the geographical area. Helpful marginal icons tell students when more information is available on the CD-ROM, Website, or elsewhere in the text. Engaging boxed features, "Interesting Issues," "In the News," and the widely-acclaimed "Beyond the Classroom," capture student interest by focusing on provocative issues, current events, and student research. Easy-to-use end-of-chapter reviews now include an all-new numbered chapter summary which students will find indispensable as a study tool, as well as glossaries, critical thinking and internet exercises, and all-new case studies designed for use with Culture Sketches, 3/e by Peters-Golden, an ethnographic readings book available with Kottak.