Andrew Irving is director of the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology at the University of Manchester.
"An excellent, thought-provoking book. . . . Brilliantly succeeding
in drawing both a conceptual and empirical portrait of the patterns
in which HIV, as a socio-historically traceable illness, tends to
articulate the life/death dialectical relation on the discovery
threshold of embodied mortality. . . . Groundbreaking."--
"Mortality"
"An exceptional achievement that gets under your skin from
beginning to end. . . . Outstanding interweaving of theoretical
critique and aspiration, collaborative ethnography, and
methodological experimentation and innovation. . . . Inspiring,
essential reading for anyone interested in new ethnographic methods
to more deeply access the complex inner dimensions of human
experience."-- "American Ethnologist"
"Of interest to anyone looking to explore people's dynamic,
perceptive, and reflective outlook on the world - whether looking
to the future, contemplating death, or simply being alive. . . . No
curious anthropology student - or for that matter, person - would
be left un-inspired or non-transformed by this text and I implore
as wide a readership as possible."-- "Anthropology & Aging"
"Of the utmost importance. . . . a very worthwhile introduction to
any medical anthropologist because it includes detailed
ethnographic descriptions, a variety of ethnographic methods and a
range of key anthropological themes, including a focus on embodied
experiences, social injustice and how individuals deal with death.
The narrative style of the book makes it easy to read and relate
to. This is a great feat given the complex and troubling themes
discussed, which lead one to question their very perception of life
itself."-- "Journal of the Anthropological Society of Oxford"
"This beautifully written and constructed book weaves together
sophisticated social theory, philosophy, art work, and vivid
biographical narratives to offer insights into how HIV/AIDS
patients have learned to "live a meaningful existence in the pre-
and post-antiretroviral eras while negotiating a terminal illness."
Basing his book on 20 years of work with adults living with
HIV/AIDS in New York, visual anthropologist Irving has carried out
a compelling anthropological study of the "complex inner world" of
those who struggle, cope, fight, and ultimately come to terms with
their own impending deaths. The author draws on philosophical
writings and social theories to contextualize his results, but is
at his best when allowing his subjects to speak for themselves. The
evocative words of subjects like artist Albert Velasco provide
fascinating insights into the ways that dying persons with HIV/AIDS
grapple with the mundane, like keeping medical appointments, as
well as the profound reckoning with their own mortality and
purpose. An engaging read that will enrich upper-level and graduate
collections on death and dying, ethnographic methods, and HIV/AIDS.
Highly recommended."-- "Choice"
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