Culture/Contexture: Explorations in Anthropology and Literary Studies

Culture/Contexture brings together literature and anthropology scholars to explore the intersection of their two fields, discussing topics such as reading and race, writing and representation, incest and violence, and travel and time. The book is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the mission of the press to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The rapprochement of anthropology and literary studies, which commenced nearly fifteen years ago through the pioneering efforts of scholars such as Clifford Geertz, Edward Said, and James Clifford, has resulted in the emergence of the new scholarly domain of cultural studies and the profound enrichment and expansion of both original fields. Literary critics have embraced the practice of anthropologizing their studies, delving into inquiries about the construction of meanings within historical contexts and engaging in reflexive considerations of cultural situatedness. On the other hand, anthropologists have uncovered narratives beyond the traditional master narratives of disciplinary social science, recognizing the importance of incorporating these diverse perspectives into the composition of ethnographies.

Culture/Contexture serves as a groundbreaking platform that brings together literature and anthropology scholars to explore the interdisciplinary impulse that has enabled and necessitated the creative exchange between these two fields. Building upon seminal works such as James Clifford and George Marcus' Writing Culture and Marcus and Michael M. J. Fischer's Anthropology as Cultural Critique, contributors delve into the compelling allure that draws these disciplines together and the apprehensions that perpetuate their separation. The diverse topics addressed in this collection demonstrate the rich intersection of anthropology and literary studies, encompassing a wide range of subjects such as reading and race, writing and representation, incest and violence, and travel and time.

This title is proudly part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, a testament to the publisher's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds, providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and exert significant impact. Drawing upon a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived employs print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again. Originally published in 1996, this title remains a valuable contribution to the field.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520323681