About the book
Studying the relationships cultivated by mediums between the living and the dead
Based on extensive fieldwork among espiritistas and their patrons in Havana, this book makes the surprising claim that Spiritist practices are fundamentally a project of developing the self.
When mediums cultivate relationships between the living and the dead, argues Diana Espírito Santo, they develop, learn, sense, dream, and connect to multiple spirits (muertos), expanding the borders of the self. This understanding of selfhood is radically different from Enlightenment ideas of an autonomous, bounded self and holds fascinating implications for prophecy, healing, and self-consciousness. Developing the Dead shows how Espiritismo’s self-making process permeates all aspects of life, not only for its own practitioners but also for those of other Afro-Cuban religions.
Editions of Developing the Dead
- PDF
- ISBN 9780813055275
Read an Excerpt
Studying the relationships cultivated by mediums between the living and the dead
Based on extensive fieldwork among espiritistas and their patrons in Havana, this book makes the surprising claim that Spiritist practices are fundamentally a project of developing the self.
When mediums cultivate relationships between the living and the dead, argues Diana Espírito Santo, they develop, learn, sense, dream, and connect to multiple spirits (muertos), expanding the borders of the self. This understanding of selfhood is radically different from Enlightenment ideas of an autonomous, bounded self and holds fascinating implications for prophecy, healing, and self-consciousness. Developing the Dead shows how Espiritismo’s self-making process permeates all aspects of life, not only for its own practitioners but also for those of other Afro-Cuban religions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Developing the Dead about?
Studying the relationships cultivated by mediums between the living and the dead
Based on extensive fieldwork among espiritistas and their patrons in Havana, this book makes the surprising claim that Spiritist practices are fundamentally a project of developing the self.
When mediums cultivate relationships between the living and the dead, argues Diana Espírito Santo, they develop, learn, sense, dream, and connect to multiple spirits (muertos), expanding the borders of the self. This understanding of selfhood is radically different from Enlightenment ideas of an autonomous, bounded self and holds fascinating implications for prophecy, healing, and self-consciousness. Developing the Dead shows how Espiritismo’s self-making process permeates all aspects of life, not only for its own practitioners but also for those of other Afro-Cuban religions.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Developing the Dead?
Society and Social Sciences > Sociology and anthropology > Anthropology > Social and cultural anthropology
Where can I read a sample of Developing the Dead?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780813055275
How long is Developing the Dead and how many pages does it have?
Developing the Dead has 304 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Developing the Dead?
Diana Espírito Santo
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Developing the Dead is available as pdf(ISBN 9780813055275)
Where can I buy Developing the Dead online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Developing the Dead from below
Where can I buy Developing the Dead?