Combining anthropology, history, and postmodern theory, this book examines the changing relation of writing and authority in a Muslim society from the late nineteenth century onwards. It raises important issues that are of comparative significance for understanding political life in other Muslim and nonwestern states as well. Series: Comparative Studies on Muslim Societies. Num Pages: 324 pages, 16 b&w illustrations. BIC Classification: DSA; HBG; HBLL; HBLW; HRH; JFSL9; JHM. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 230 x 160 x 22. Weight in Grams: 562. . 1996. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: The Calligraphic State: Textual Domination and History in a Muslim Society
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication Date: 1996
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0520205154
ISBN 13: 9780520205154
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In this innovative combination of anthropology, history, and postmodern theory, Brinkley Messick examines the changing relation of writing and authority in a Muslim society from the late nineteenth century to the present. The creation and interpretation of texts, from sacred scriptures to administrative and legal contracts, are among the fundamental ways that authority is established and maintained in a complex state. Yet few scholars have explored this process and the ways in which it changes, especially outside the Western world.

Messick brings together intensive ethnography and textual analysis from a wealth of material: Islamic jurisprudence, Yemeni histories, local documents. In exploring the structure and transformation of literacy, law, and statecraft in Yemen, he raises important issues that are of comparative significance for understanding political life in other Muslim and nonwestern states as well.

About the Author

Brinkley Messick is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan.

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