Once Upon a Time is Now: A Kalahari Memoir

Megan Biesele, an anthropologist, has written a memoir based on her personal journals from her first fieldwork with Ju/ hoan San hunter-gatherers fifty years ago. The memoir offers valuable insights into the healing dance, intricate beliefs, artistry, and social system of the Ju/ hoan San community, highlighting its intellectual achievement as one of humankind's greatest.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Anthropologist Megan Biesele has penned an exceptional memoir, drawing from her personal journals penned during her initial fieldwork with Ju/ hoan San hunter-gatherers. Spanning fifty years, this memoir offers a profound insight into the author's experiences and reflections.

The wealth of vivid learning experiences and nightly ponderings discovered within these journals has resulted in a memoir of exceptional value to anthropology students, academics, and general readers alike. Biesele's experiences center around the captivating practice of the long-lived healing dance, commonly referred to as the trance dance. She delves into the intricate beliefs, artistry, and social system that underpin this remarkable tradition, painting a vivid picture of her immersion within a creative community that thrives on the energy and vitality of this dance.

In her memoir, Biesele describes her profound connection with the Ju/ hoan San community and her admiration for their intellectual achievements. She highlights the trance dance as one of the greatest intellectual accomplishments of humankind, emphasizing its role in fostering community, healing, and cultural preservation. Through her storytelling, Biesele transports readers into the heart of this unique cultural world, offering a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Ju/ hoan San people.

The writing style in this memoir is unique and captivating. Biesele employs a poetic and introspective tone, allowing her memories and insights to unfold with a depth and richness that is truly remarkable. Her prose is filled with vivid imagery, sensory details, and emotional resonance, making the reader feel as if they are experiencing the events and emotions alongside the author.

The Preface to the memoir provides an additional layer of insight into the writing process. Biesele recounts her initial reluctance to revisit her field journals after forty years. However, upon opening the box, she was overwhelmed by the wealth of memories and experiences that came flooding back. She recognized the need to approach her writing in a completely different manner, one that would do justice to the richness of her notebooks.

In conclusion, Megan Biesele's memoir is a testament to the power of personal reflection and the enduring value of fieldwork. Through her vivid storytelling and deep insights, she has created a memoir that offers a unique perspective on anthropology, cultural heritage, and the human experience. This exceptional work will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and interests, providing a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800738799