The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America by Michael T. Taussig, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael T. Taussig ISBN: 9780807898413
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: March 15, 2010
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Michael T. Taussig
ISBN: 9780807898413
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: March 15, 2010
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

In this classic book, Michael Taussig explores the social significance of the devil in the folklore of contemporary plantation workers and miners in South America. Grounding his analysis in Marxist theory, Taussig finds that the fetishization of evil, in the image of the devil, mediates the conflict between precapitalist and capitalist modes of objectifying the human condition. He links traditional narratives of the devil-pact, in which the soul is bartered for illusory or transitory power, with the way in which production in capitalist economies causes workers to become alienated from the commodities they produce. A new chapter for this anniversary edition features a discussion of Walter Benjamin and Georges Bataille that extends Taussig's ideas about the devil-pact metaphor.

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

In this classic book, Michael Taussig explores the social significance of the devil in the folklore of contemporary plantation workers and miners in South America. Grounding his analysis in Marxist theory, Taussig finds that the fetishization of evil, in the image of the devil, mediates the conflict between precapitalist and capitalist modes of objectifying the human condition. He links traditional narratives of the devil-pact, in which the soul is bartered for illusory or transitory power, with the way in which production in capitalist economies causes workers to become alienated from the commodities they produce. A new chapter for this anniversary edition features a discussion of Walter Benjamin and Georges Bataille that extends Taussig's ideas about the devil-pact metaphor.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Community Power Structure by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Sidney Poitier by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Wars within a War by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Alien Nation by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book A World of Its Own by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Talking Gender by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Southeastern Geographer by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Boss Jocks: How Corrupt Radio Practices Helped Make Jacksonville One of the Great Music Cities by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Machine-Age Ideology by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Families in Crisis in the Old South by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Captive University by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Fever Within by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Strangers and Pilgrims by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Apostle of Union by Michael T. Taussig
Cover of the book Reluctant Confederates by Michael T. Taussig
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