If you want to learn more about Le Guin's influences, I just finished reading Charles King's Gods Of The Upper Air ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4295122

If you want to learn more about Le Guin's influences, I just finished reading Charles King's Gods Of The Upper Air ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42951225-gods-of-the-upper-air https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42951225-gods-of-the-upp... ) It's pop-history of the early 20th century anthropologists with a focus on the influence of Franz Boas and the many things he spawned, and how Boas and his pupils fought against genetic determinism. Many of the 'characters' in the books appear in OP's article. Recommended companion piece!