About the book
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.
Editions of The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807871331
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469604237
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890886163
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893134551
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807898413
Read an Excerpt
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America about?
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.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America?
Society and Social Sciences > Sociology and anthropology > Anthropology > Social and cultural anthropology
Where can I read a sample of The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807871331
How long is The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America and how many pages does it have?
The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America has 320 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America?
Michael T. Taussig
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America is available as paperback(ISBN 9780807871331) and ebook(ISBN 9781469604237) and ebook(ISBN 9798890886163) and ebook(ISBN 9798893134551) and ebook(ISBN 9780807898413)
Where can I buy The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America?