James F. Fisher Books

James Fisher combines the strengths of technical anthropology, literary memoir, and striking photography in this telling study of rapid social change in Himalayan Nepal. The author first visited the Sherpas of Nepal when he accompanied Sir Edmund Hilary on the Himalayan Schoolhouse Expedition of 1964. Returning to the Everest region several times during the 1970s and 1980s, he discovered that the construction of the schools had far less impact than one of the by-products of their building: a short-take-off-and-landing airstrip. By reducing the time it took to travel between Kathmandu and the Everest region from a hike of several days to a 45-minute flight, the airstrip made a rapid increase in tourism possible. Beginning with his impressions of Sherpa society in pre-tourist days, Fisher traces the trajectory of contemporary Sherpa society reeling under the impact of modern education and mass tourism, and assesses the Sherpa's concerns for their future and how they believe these problems should be and eventually will be resolved.

The narrative offers an in-depth first-hand account of the initial American Peace Corps volunteers in Nepal, arriving in 1962 during a pivotal time in the nation's history. It examines both the successes and challenges faced by the volunteers in contributing to Nepalese development, while also reflecting on how this experience transformed their own lives. Additionally, the author contextualizes this mission within the larger framework of globalization, highlighting its significance in shaping interactions and relationships over the past five decades.

Focusing on the profound changes in a remote Nepalese village, the anthropologist examines the effects of modernization and mobility on the local community, 44 years after his initial study. By delving into individual life histories, he reveals how political, environmental, and commercial shifts have reshaped livelihoods and culture in Tarang, highlighting both the transformation of lives and the enduring nature of longstanding societal patterns.

Set in a remote Himalayan village in northwest Nepal during the late '60s, this groundbreaking study reveals the intricate cultural dynamics of a self-sufficient community. Anthropologist Fisher explores how the villagers, despite their isolation, are influenced by external forces, providing a compelling analysis of their social structure and dependencies. The work highlights the balance between autonomy and external influence, offering insights into the complexities of rural life in a changing world.