Conjuring Hope

Galina Lindquist was born in Russia, and trained as anthropologist in Sweden. She received her degree at the Department of Social Anthropology, University of Stockholm, for the study of urban shamans in Scandinavia. Since then she has done work in medical anthropology and anthropology of religion, with a special focus on folk religious and healing practices. Her other areas of interest are play, ritual, and anthropology of consciousness.

Whoever wants to learn about life in today's Russia, where various forms of magic play a central role, should read this book. And of course all those interested in Semiotic or medical anthropology who will gain further insight into the relationships between healer and patient.A" * Anthropos Lindquist's book makes two important contributions, the first anthropological, and the second ethnographic - Lindquist clearly brought passion, care, and the highest ethical standards to her role as ethnographer, to the great benefit of her readers. When telling these stories, her writing is always clear, often elegant, and sometimes deeply moving.A" * Slavic Review

• Acknowledgements Preface Introduction Chapter 1. Marketing Magic Chapter 2. Magic as Semiotic Changes: Ontologies, Rituals and Terms of Affliction Chapter 3. Magic as Management of Emotions Chapter 4. The Icons of Power: Constructing Charisma from the Means at Hand Chapter 5. Charisma of the Office: Healing Power and Biomedical Legitimacy Chapter 6. The Unspeakable Emotions: Spells and Their Use in Working Life Chapter 7. The Magic of Business and the Fostering of Hope Epilogue Bibliography Index