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****************************************************** * http://www.anthropologymatters.com * * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, * * online discussions, teaching and research resources * * and international contacts directory. * ****************************************************** Dear list members, Kindly forgive the self-promotion. I am pleased to announce the publication of my book ‘Material Culture and Authenticity: Fake Branded Fashion in Europe’ (Bloomsbury, 2014). *Abstract* The study of material culture demonstrates that objects make people just as much as people make, exchange and consume objects. But what if these objects are, in the eyes of others, *only *fakes? What kind of material mirror are people looking into? Are their real selves really reflected in this mirror? This book provides an original and revealing study into engagements with objects that are not what they are claimed and presumed to be and, subsequently, are believed to betray their makers as well as users. Drawing upon an ethnography of fake branded garments in Turkey and Romania, *Material Culture and Authenticity *shows how people can make authentic positions for themselves in and through fake objects. The book will be of interest to students and scholars working in the fields of anthropology, material culture and cultural studies as well as to general readers interested in ethnographic alternatives to biographies of famous fakers and fakes. *Reviews* “In this rich ethnography of the markets and small textiles manufacturers of Turkey and Romania, Craciun constructs an alternative theory of brands, arguing that the materiality of branded goods - their shininess, smoothness; their pattern, cut, trimming and bobbling - are more important than the brand itself. A must read for anyone interested in thinking critically about the contemporary theorization of brands, authenticity, consumption, and materiality.” *Haidy Geismar, Anthropology and Museum Studies, New York University & Department of Anthropology, University College London* “Craciun’s research provides an evocative account of how people struggle to negotiate authenticity in a world of inauthentic objects, namely fake branded goods. Through a nuanced and engaging ethnography, the book makes an extremely important contribution to the literature on authenticity and material culture. It will be essential reading for those interested in the experience of authenticity and its role in mediating personal relationships and identities.” *Sian Jones, Professor of Archaeology, University of Manchester, UK* If this is of interest to you or your students, I would be grateful if you would consider recommending the book to your university library. If you are interested in reviewing the book on an institutional or personal blog, please request a review copy directly from Bloomsbury. If you would like to write a review for a journal, please send a query to that journal’s review editor, who can request a review copy on your behalf. Best wishes, Magda Craciun -- magda ************************************************************* * Anthropology-Matters Mailing List * * To join this list or to look at the archived previous * * messages visit: * * http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/Anthropology-Matters.HTML * * If you have ALREADY subscribed: to send a message to all * * those currently subscribed to the list,just send mail to: * * [log in to unmask] * * * * Enjoyed the mailing list? Why not join the new * * CONTACTS SECTION @ www.anthropologymatters.com * * an international directory of anthropology researchers * * To unsubscribe: please log on to jiscmail.ac.uk, and * * go to the 'Subscriber's corner' page. * * ***************************************************************