| Fusion of the Worlds: An Ethnography of Possession Among the Songhay of Niger Contributor(s): Stoller, Paul (Author) |
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ISBN: 0226775453 ISBN-13: 9780226775456 Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Binding Type: Paperback Published: June 1997 Annotation: "This ethnography is more like a film than a book, so well does Stoller evoke the color, sight, sounds, and movements of Songhay possession ceremonies."--"Choice" "Stoller brilliantly recreates the reality of spirit presence; hosts are what they mediate, and spirits become flesh and blood in the 'fusion' with human existence. . . . An excellent demonstration of the benefits of a new genre of ethnographic writing. It expands our understanding of the harsh world of Songhay mediums and sorcerers."--Bruce Kapferer, "American Ethnologist" "A vivid story that will appeal to a wide audience. . . . The voices of individual Songhay are evident and forceful throughout the story. . . . Like a painter, [Stoller] is concerned with the rich surface of things, with depicting images, evoking sensations, and enriching perceptions. . . . He has succeeded admirably." --Michael Lambek, "American Anthropologist" "Events (ceremonies and life histories) are evoked in cinematic style. . . . [This book is] approachable and absorbing--it is well written, uncluttered by jargon and elegantly structured."--Richard Fardon, "Times Higher Education Supplement" "Compelling, insightful, rich in ethnographic detail, and worthy of becoming a classic in the scholarship on Africa."--Aidan Southall, "African Studies Review" |
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| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Africa - General - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social |
| Dewey: 813.54 |
| Physical Information: 0.65" H x 6.08" W x 9" L (0.80 lbs) 268 pages |
| Features: Glossary |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: This ethnography is more like a film than a book, so well does Stoller evoke the color, sight, sounds, and movements of Songhay possession ceremonies.--Choice Stoller brilliantly recreates the reality of spirit presence; hosts are what they mediate, and spirits become flesh and blood in the 'fusion' with human existence. . . . An excellent demonstration of the benefits of a new genre of ethnographic writing. It expands our understanding of the harsh world of Songhay mediums and sorcerers.--Bruce Kapferer, American Ethnologist A vivid story that will appeal to a wide audience. . . . The voices of individual Songhay are evident and forceful throughout the story. . . . Like a painter, Stoller] is concerned with the rich surface of things, with depicting images, evoking sensations, and enriching perceptions. . . . He has succeeded admirably. --Michael Lambek, American Anthropologist Events (ceremonies and life histories) are evoked in cinematic style. . . . This book is] approachable and absorbing--it is well written, uncluttered by jargon and elegantly structured.--Richard Fardon, Times Higher Education Supplement Compelling, insightful, rich in ethnographic detail, and worthy of becoming a classic in the scholarship on Africa.--Aidan Southall, African Studies Review |
Contributor Bio(s): Stoller, Paul: - Paul Stoller is a professor of anthropology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of many books, including ethnographies, biographies, and memoirs. In 1994 he was awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. In 2002, the American Anthropological Association named him the recipient of the Robert B. Textor Award for Excellence in Anthropology. He lectures frequently both in the United States and Europe and has appeared on various NPR programs as well as on the National Geographic Television Network. |
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