Syrian Episodes

Sons, Fathers, and an Anthropologist in Aleppo

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Gay Studies, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book Syrian Episodes by John Borneman, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Borneman ISBN: 9781400831968
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: February 26, 2007
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: John Borneman
ISBN: 9781400831968
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: February 26, 2007
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

When Princeton anthropologist John Borneman arrived in Syria's second-largest city in 2004 as a visiting Fulbright professor, he took up residence in what many consider a "rogue state" on the frontline of a "clash of civilizations" between the Orient and the West. Hoping to understand intimate interactions of religious, political, and familial authority in this secular republic, Borneman spent much time among different men, observing and becoming part of their everyday lives. Syrian Episodes is the striking result.

Recounting his experience of living and lecturing in Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, John Borneman offers deft, first-person stories of the longings and discontents expressed by Syrian sons and fathers, as well as a prescient analysis of the precarious power held by the regime, its relation to domestic authority, and the conditions of its demise. Combining literary imagination and anthropological insight, the book's discrete narratives converge in an unforgettable portrait of contemporary culture in Aleppo.

We read of romantic seductions, rumors of spying, the play of light in rooms, the bargaining of tourists in bazaars, and an attack of wild dogs. With unflinching honesty and frequent humor, Borneman describes his encounters with students and teachers, customers and merchants, and women and families, many of whom are as intrigued with the anthropologist as he is with them. Refusing to patronize those he meets or to minimize his differences with them, Borneman provokes his interlocutors, teasing out unexpected confidences, comic responses, and mutual misunderstandings. He engages the curiosity and desire of encounter and the possibility of ethical conduct that is willing to expose cultural differences.

Combining literary imagination and anthropological insight, Syrian Episodes offers an unforgettable portrait of contemporary culture in Aleppo.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When Princeton anthropologist John Borneman arrived in Syria's second-largest city in 2004 as a visiting Fulbright professor, he took up residence in what many consider a "rogue state" on the frontline of a "clash of civilizations" between the Orient and the West. Hoping to understand intimate interactions of religious, political, and familial authority in this secular republic, Borneman spent much time among different men, observing and becoming part of their everyday lives. Syrian Episodes is the striking result.

Recounting his experience of living and lecturing in Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, John Borneman offers deft, first-person stories of the longings and discontents expressed by Syrian sons and fathers, as well as a prescient analysis of the precarious power held by the regime, its relation to domestic authority, and the conditions of its demise. Combining literary imagination and anthropological insight, the book's discrete narratives converge in an unforgettable portrait of contemporary culture in Aleppo.

We read of romantic seductions, rumors of spying, the play of light in rooms, the bargaining of tourists in bazaars, and an attack of wild dogs. With unflinching honesty and frequent humor, Borneman describes his encounters with students and teachers, customers and merchants, and women and families, many of whom are as intrigued with the anthropologist as he is with them. Refusing to patronize those he meets or to minimize his differences with them, Borneman provokes his interlocutors, teasing out unexpected confidences, comic responses, and mutual misunderstandings. He engages the curiosity and desire of encounter and the possibility of ethical conduct that is willing to expose cultural differences.

Combining literary imagination and anthropological insight, Syrian Episodes offers an unforgettable portrait of contemporary culture in Aleppo.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Women at the Beginning by John Borneman
Cover of the book Dreams of Other Worlds by John Borneman
Cover of the book Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 15 by John Borneman
Cover of the book Summing It Up by John Borneman
Cover of the book The Birds of New Jersey by John Borneman
Cover of the book Emblems of Pluralism by John Borneman
Cover of the book How to Grow Old by John Borneman
Cover of the book Inheriting Abraham by John Borneman
Cover of the book American Misfits and the Making of Middle-Class Respectability by John Borneman
Cover of the book The Population Biology of Tuberculosis by John Borneman
Cover of the book Is Democracy Possible Here? by John Borneman
Cover of the book Ethical Life by John Borneman
Cover of the book Wandering Greeks by John Borneman
Cover of the book Flatland by John Borneman
Cover of the book Michael Oakeshott's Skepticism by John Borneman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy