Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations, Vol. 4 - Persons

Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations explores our deep interconnections with the living world, offering essays, interviews, poetry, and stories of solidarity. Volume 4, "Persons," attends to the personal, including nonhuman kin that become our allies, familiars, and teachers. Proceeds from sales benefit the Center for Humans and Nature, which partners with experts to explore human responsibilities to each other and the more-than-human world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Center for Humans and Nature

The Kinship series, a 5-volume set that includes the 2022 Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal Winner in Ecology & Environment and Special Honors for Best of Anthology, delves into the intricate realm of interpersonal relations. Volume 4, titled "Persons," specifically focuses on the personal experiences that broaden our understanding of humanity in relation to other-than-human beings.

In our remarkable world, we are interconnected in a web of relations. These connections extend not only to our fellow humans but also to nonhuman beings, from the microscopic bacteria thriving within us to the towering trees that breathe the air we inhale. For many cultures worldwide, being human is deeply rooted in this extended sense of kinship, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations is a captivating series that delves into the profound connections we share with the living world. The five volumes of the Kinship series, namely Planet, Place, Partners, Persons, and Practice, present a rich tapestry of essays, interviews, poetry, and stories that celebrate solidarity and highlight the interdependence between humans and nonhuman beings. With contributions from over 70 esteemed authors, including Robin Wall Kimmerer, Richard Powers, David Abram, J. Drew Lanham, and Sharon Blackie, readers are invited to explore cosmologies, narratives, and everyday interactions that embrace a more-than-human world as worthy of our response and responsibility.

While kinship spans the vast expanse of the cosmos, its most transformative power is experienced firsthand and intimately. "Persons," Volume 4 of the Kinship series, specifically attends to the personal realm, exploring our unique experiences with particular creatures and landscapes. This includes nonhuman kin that become our allies, familiars, and teachers as we navigate a "world as full of persons, human and otherwise, all more-or-less close kin, all deserving respect," as religious studies scholar Graham Harvey aptly puts it.

Through the lens of "Persons," we delve into the profound connections we forge with the natural world, recognizing the inherent value and worth of all beings, regardless of their species. We learn to appreciate the intricate tapestry of life and the lessons it offers us, fostering a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and responsibility towards our fellow humans and the broader ecosystem.

The Kinship series serves as a testament to the power of relationships and the interconnectedness of all life forms. It encourages us to broaden our perspectives, cultivate empathy, and embrace a more-than-human world as a source of inspiration and guidance. As we navigate the complexities of our existence, let us remember the lessons learned from the Kinship series and strive to build a more harmonious and sustainable relationship with the world around us.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 134 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781736862537