Timothy Asch (1932-1994) was probably the greatest ethnographic filmmaker of the latter twentieth century, and one of the best-known anthropologists of his generation. He worked with Margaret Mead, John Marshall and Napoleon Chagnon, lived and filmed on every continent except Antarctica, and won numerous international prizes. His work, which includes 'The Ax Fight' and more than 50 other films of the Yanomamö Indians of Venezuela, comprises the most widely used resource in the teaching of anthropology today. Timothy Asch and Ethnographic Film combines a biographical overview of Asch's life with theoretical and critical perspectives, giving a definitive guide to his background, aims and ideas, methodology and major projects. Beautifully illustrated with 60 photos, and featuring articles from many of Asch's friends, colleagues and collaborators as well as an important interview with Asch himself, it is an ideal introduction to his work and to a range of key issues in ethnographic film.
Biography
E.D Lewis
'As this book makes clear, Asch's greatest attribute as ethnographic filmmaker was an openness to the world that allowed him to develop methodologies and shift focus in response to his encounters with others. For these reasons this book should be of value to anyone setting out to make - or teach - ethnographic film today.' - The Australian Journal of Anthropology
'This book will make an invaluable contribution to the history of visual anthropology and the editor is to be congratulated for persevering in bringing it into being.' - The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
