Michael Herzfeld Books

Focusing on marginalized communities, Michael Herzfeld examines how they utilize nationalist discourses of tradition to resist state authority in both democratic and authoritarian contexts. By analyzing the experiences of Greek mountain shepherds and Thai urban slum dwellers, he reveals how these individuals invoke national histories to legitimize their defiance against bureaucratic power. Rather than rejecting national identity, they challenge the conflation of state and nation, highlighting the complexities of heritage in the face of globalization and bureaucratic vulnerabilities.

Herzfeld challenges the perception of modern bureaucratic societies as purely rational, asserting they are equally symbolic as those studied in anthropology. He explores the complexities and nuances of contemporary social structures, suggesting that the interplay of symbols and regulations shapes human experience in profound ways. This thought-provoking analysis invites readers to reconsider their understanding of modernity and its cultural implications.

The book explores the significant role of folklore in nation-building, particularly within Greek and European contexts. Initially published in 1982, it has been pivotal in transforming the understanding of cultural dynamics in these regions. This expanded edition features a new introduction by the author and an epilogue by Sharon Macdonald, emphasizing its influence on anthropological studies of European culture and its relevance to ongoing discussions about Greece's position in the European Union's political landscape.