The Gebusi: Lives Transformed in a Rainforest World, Fifth Edition

by Bruce Knauft

This version of The Gebusi is different enough from previous editions to be not just an updated but a significantly reframed work in relation to front-burner issues in cultural anthropology. These include reflexive awareness in ethnographic writing; gender relations and the subordination of women; postcoloniality; race and ethnicity; and the challenges of government and corruption. Based on fieldwork in 2016 and 2017, this latest edition of The Gebusi blends many new developments with those of the past. Poignant descriptions and reflections by young French cofieldworker Anne-Sylvie Malbrancke complement Knauft's main account—and provide a rich dialogue across subject position and gender in ethnographic writing. In the mix, this vibrant work powerfully documents and critically analyzes key new developments among Gebusi. As such, The Gebusi, Fifth Edition brings the book’s compelling story forward while enriching the content structure and engaged portrayals of earlier editions. In addition to online field video resources, four instructor presentations, and other study materials and resources, the book itself includes 90 photographs—all in color in the e-book edition—that dramatically convey incidents and people portrayed.

237 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2022

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely interesting

[Emma Kathleen W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not everyone’s cup of tea and admittedly I read this for my Cultural Anthropology class. It’s such a valuable read. I got to live vicariously through Bruce and his experience with the Gebusi villagers. As the Gebusi transform through decades of Bruce’s fieldwork his relationships with the Gebusi continues to richen over time. I cried reading Yuway’s final words to Bruce at the airstrip, “I’ll see you later, in heaven.” Bruce writes, “As I sailed towards the heavens, Yuway awaited his own. He died on June 16, 2009.” The way I sobbed. This is a moving and bittersweet account of an Anthropologist and the friendships he built during his fieldwork with the Gebusi.

From an educational standpoint, you’ll learn about the effects of colonialism and cultural reparations.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it for my anthropology class. It was interesting and the storytelling was great. I also liked the key points at the end of each chapter.

[Samantha Stainbrook · Rating 2 out of 5]

i had to read this book for an anthropology class. it was interesting but very boring to me.

[Ava Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this was really good. It’s not something I would usually read and had to for Anthropology and enjoyed it thoroughly.