Anthropology off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing

"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)

"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