Theorist Clifford Geertz's influence extends far beyond anthropology. Indeed the case could be made that he has been abandoned by anthropology and that his legacy has been transferred to a more diffuse community of scholars interested in interpretation. This volume reflects the breadth of his influence, looking at Geertz as a theorist rather than as an anthropologist. To date, there has been no impartial, comprehensive, and authoritative work published on this critical figure. Contributors include an interdisciplinary team of leading scholars investigating the three core components of contested legacy: theory, method, and writing.
“Interpreting Clifford Geertz is a rich, many-sided, and illuminating collection of essays. This volume views Geertz's work from different countries and disciplines and explores its ambiguities and inconsistencies, while also emphasizing that much remains to be learned from it.” --Peter Burke, Emmanuel College, the University of Cambridge
“The oeuvre of Clifford Geertz is like a rare gem, demanding examination of its endless facets to appreciate its profundity and radiating influence. Congratulations to the editors for doing just that—bringing together the best and most diverse set of minds to assess this monumental figure in twentieth-century intellectual life. The result is an exceptional book, doing full justice to Geertz and furthering his labors.” --Neil J. Smelser, University Professor of Sociology Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley
“This is the definitive statement on Geertz. I cannot imagine a more consistently interesting and insightful collection of reflections about Geertz's corpus, and its position in the meaning-centered social sciences. It will be required reading among cultural sociologists for many years to come.” -- Ronald N. Jacobs, University at Albany, author of The Space of Opinion
