Wiley-Blackwell Anthropology off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing

In Anthropology off the Shelf, leading anthropologists reflect on the craft of writing and the passions that fuel their desire to write books. First of its kind volume in anthropology in which prominent anthropologists and 3 respected professionals outside the discipline follow the tradition of the “writers on writing” genre to reflect on all aspects of the writing processContributors are high-profile in anthropology and many have a strong presence outside the field, in popular cultureUnique in its format: short essays, revealing and straightforward in content and writing style Review "Anthropology off the shelf ought to be on every introductory reading list..." (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, August 2010) “The essays are both provocative and provoking, compelling and edgy. Whether this thrust in anthropology or in academia in general will continue, books like this are required to keep the intellectual energy within the academy vital and engaged. Indispensible reading across disciplines. Summing Up: Essential.” (CHOICE, October 2009) Review "This wonderful collection of essays explores an essential question:  how do we tell an untold story? The answers will inspire any anthropologist-writer with the nerve to take a shot." –David Kushner, author of Levittown and Masters of Doom "This book should be on many of our must read lists! Its provocative contents should inspire anthropologists and other social scientists to think more courageously about what it can mean—both for us and our potentially expanded and diversified audiences—if more of us “come out” asserting identities as writers. This collection makes a compelling argument that anthropological writing needn't be confined to conventional "academese," which seriously limits our public reach and social impact." –Faye V. Harrison, Professor of Anthropology and Director of African American Studies, University of Florida, Author of Outsider Within: Reworking Anthropology in the Global Age"Turning research into stories that matter to all of us is an art scholars too rarely aspire to, let alone master. The anthropologists in this collection tell the tale of that challenge with inspiring passion, showing in the telling what gifted writers they have become." –Trevor Brown, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University Bloomington"It's inspiring to see behind the curtain of anthropologists, some of the world's most influential storytellers, read of their insecurities, passion, and a sense of mission one essayist says is the human responsibility "to creatively offer something to the world."" –Keith Woods, Dean, The Poynter Institute From the Inside Flap In Anthropology off the Shelf, leading anthropologists consider the craft of writing and the deeply-rooted passions that fuel their desire to write books. In eighteen original essays, the contributors reveal their inspirations and worries, their narrative strategies and imagined audiences, their habits and how they get people to read what they write. The authors reflect on the very personal decisions required to take a work of anthropology from its initial conception to its creation, and beyond that to its reception by actual readers. This path-breaking anthology offers rich detail on how writers steer through difficult issues of racism, sexism, real and imagined critics, and ethical quandaries. In captivating first-person accounts, the reader gets sharp insight into the creative process and the challenges of bringing new ideas into the public conversation. From the Back Cover In Anthropology off the Shelf, leading anthropologists consider the craft of writing and the deeply-rooted passions that fuel their desire to write books. In eighteen original essays, the contributors reveal their inspirations and worries, their narrative strategies and imagined audiences, their habits and how they get people to read what they write. The authors reflect on the very persona