In the Arms of Africa: The Life of Colin M. Turnbull

In the Arms of Africa follows the life of anthropologist Colin Turnbull, from his privileged British upbringing through his groundbreaking fieldwork in Africa and his later years in the United States. The biography draws on personal papers, field notes, and interviews to reconstruct Turnbull's journey as both a scholar and an individual. The book traces Turnbull's evolution from Oxford student to influential researcher, including his time living among the Mbuti people of the Congo and his controversial work with the Ik people of Uganda. His professional achievements run parallel to his personal story, including his 30-year relationship with Joseph Towles and his eventual move to Buddhism. Through Turnbull's life story, Grinker explores broader themes of colonialism, sexuality, race relations, and the complex relationship between anthropologists and their subjects. The biography raises questions about objectivity in ethnographic research and the impact of personal experience on academic work.

Readers found this biography illuminated Turnbull's personal life and relationships while documenting his anthropological work in Africa. The book covers Turnbull's sexuality, his partnership with Joseph Towles, and professional controversies. Readers appreciated: - The thorough research and academic rigor - Details about Turnbull's relationship with Towles - Context about anthropology in the mid-20th century Main criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Too much detail about minor events - Limited focus on Turnbull's key ethnographic findings Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (33 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) Several academic reviews praised Grinker's access to Turnbull's personal papers and correspondence. One reader noted: "The biography gives valuable insight into how Turnbull's personal life influenced his anthropological perspective." Note: Limited review data available online for this academic biography.

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★ Colin Turnbull, despite being most famous for his work in Africa, was born in London and educated at Oxford. He first traveled to Africa in 1949 after serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during WWII. ★ Author Roy Richard Grinker was personally mentored by Colin Turnbull at George Washington University, giving him unique insights into Turnbull's life and work for this biography. ★ Turnbull's relationship with Joseph Towles, an African American man who became both his life partner and professional colleague, was groundbreaking for its time, especially in anthropological circles of the 1960s. ★ The biography reveals that Turnbull became an ordained Buddhist monk in his later years, living in monasteries in India and Tibet after retiring from anthropology. ★ Turnbull donated his entire estate to the United Negro College Fund upon his death in 1994, including the royalties from his bestselling book "The Forest People," which continues to be widely read in anthropology courses today.