First published in 1975, this study is concerned with the representation of non-European people in English popular fiction in the period from 1858-1920. It examines the developments in thinking about people across the world and shows how they affected writers' views of evolution, race, heredity and of the life of the so-called 'primitive' man.

This book will be of interest to those studying 19th century literature.

Preface and acknowledgements; 1. Literary themes and anthropological writings 2. The English abroad 3. Evolution and race in popular literature: classification, scientific and fictitious 4. Evolution and race in popular literature: hierarchy and racial theory 5. Hereditary and environment 6. 'Primitive' politics in popular literature 7. 'Primitive' religion in popular literature; Notes; Bibliography; Index