Overview

Abrams are proud to publish a newly designed one-volume edition of this definitive work, containing more than half of the magnificent photographs that were in the original edition - plus several new ones. This carefully conceived work offers a complete introduction to the traditional rites and rituals of Africa, including baby namings, initiations, weddings, harvest blessings, coronations, healing exorcisms, and funerals, among others. Many of these rituals will never be performed again; few have been pictured and described with the intimacy, knowledge, and skill of Beckwith and Fisher. The book also includes an audio CD featuring tracks of intimate, secret and rarely heard ceremonies from many countries throughout Africa that were recorded over a period of six years by David Bradnum, a musician and award-winning composer.

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9780810934849

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Reviews

Books like these deserve as many superlatives as you can lavish upon them. These two stunning photographic surveys are epic in every sense (347 x 256mm) and explore the existing ceremonial traditions of Africa from the colourful - the pomp of the Fulani Emir's court, to the controversial - Maasai circumision. Not intended as an accurate representation of contemporary African life but more a celebration of the power of tradition, they are packed with glorious images - over 847 photographs in 744 pages with a good number spanning double page spreads. They are presented in a slipcase. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher have been photographing Africa for over 30 years. Together and separately they have produced several widely acclaimed, award-winning books. Their work has appeared in National Geographic, Time, LIFE, People, The New York Times, and elsewhere. Beckwith and Fisher lecture frequently around the world, and live in London when not traveling. Malidoma Patrice Some teaches, lectures, and conducts workshops in initiation rituals and shamanism around the world, and has published several books. He lives in Oakland, CA.

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