Samba in the Night: Spiritism in Brazil / Edition 1

by David J. Hess

Overview

An absorbing account of an anthropologist's fieldwork and explorations into alternative religions in Brazil, Samba in the Night invites the reader into the mysterious world of spirit mediums, poltergeists, psychic surgery, exorcism and spiritual healing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231084321
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	05/26/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	6.29(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.82(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

David J. Hess is Associate Professor of Anthropology in the Science and Technology Studies Department at Rensselaer Ploytechnic Institute.

Editorial Reviews

Hess (anthropology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst.) has written an ethnography of his personal journey through Spiritism as well as Kardecism, Umbanda, Candomble, and other alternative religions in Brazil. The emphasis is on Spiritism, a philosophy grounded in science with Christian morality, which is likened to the Brazilian form of Zen Buddhism with talking. Hess's accessible narrative takes the reader on a journey through spirit mediums, psychic surgery (cyst removal), exorcism, and poltergeists. The journey is neither a travelog of Brazil nor a synthesis of the Brazilian religious scene but a fieldwork study of the complex way in which race and social class influence religion. A popular overview of Brazilian religion and society. For appropriate collections.-L. Kriz, Sioux City P.L., Ia.

Library Journal

In this informal narrative, Hess (anthropology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) explores alternative religions and Spiritism in Brazil. Hess observes Spiritist sessions involving exorcism, spiritual healing, psychic surgery, poltergeists, and reincarnation. He considers the differences between Spiritism and other religions in Brazil and explores the ways in which race, class, and gender shape religion. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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