'A highly original thinker' - New York Times

David Graeber (1961-2020) was an American anthropologist and anarchist activist who left us with new ways to understand humankind. His writings picked apart political power and social hierarchy to reveal what makes human society tick.

As If Already Free collects his most important insights in one book, showing how his writing resonates today for activists looking to shake things up, and explaining how his powerful and accessible ideas can be applied to a wide range of topics, from birth to banking.

In today's neoliberal world, we can turn to Graeber's legacy to provide a way for us to understand what went wrong, and how to fix it. This collection is both an introduction to his life and works, a guide to his key ideas, and an inspiring example of how anthropologists are continuing to use his work today.

About the Author
Holly High is an Associate Professor at Deakin University, Australia. She has written two books, Fields of Desire and Projectland and edited the collection Stone Masters. Joshua O. Reno is a Professor at Binghamton University, US. A socio-cultural anthropologist, he is the author of Waste Away, Military Waste and co-author of Imagining the Heartland. He co-edited the collection Economies of Recycling.

Reviews

'A fundamental contribution, containing precious insights into what made David Graeber the most innovative social thinker of our time, and why the legacy of his ideas will continue to inspire projects of emancipation, for generations to come.'

-- David Wengrow, Professor of Comparative Archaeology, University College London, and co-author of 'The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity'

'In this stimulating collection of 'slow cooked' essays, the editors reflect on the enduring enchantment of David Graeber's ideas. They remind us that there is always hope in today's troubled world and that the activist pursuit of hope can be fun as well as rewarding.'

-- Chris Gregory, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, Australian National University

'Uncovers the critical contributions of Graeberian thought to contemporary education, politics, economy, reproduction, and power relations writ small and large. A must-read for anyone who believes in the power of academia as activism.'

-- Sophie Chao, Environmental anthropologist, University of Sydney

'From Game of Thrones and The Idiots to free birth and megafires in Australia, this book's writers honour Graeber's legacy, while revealing their own original voices. Informing, provoking and imagining alternatives, they testify to people's lives and struggles today. [It] will find a broad readership among thinkers and activists for social and economic justice, along with urgent climate action.'

-- Lorraine Mortimer, independent Anthropology scholar

'A simultaneously rigorous and personal tribute to a giant in public anthropology and activism ... destined to serve as an invitation to further conversation, action, and friendship.'

-- Hirokazu Miyazaki, Northwestern University



Book Information
ISBN 9780745348452
Author Holly High
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Pluto Press
Publisher Pluto Press
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 17mm