Description
Book SynopsisCan one explain the power of global capitalism without attributing to capital a logic and coherence it does not have? Can one account for the powers of techno-science in terms that do not merely reproduce its own understanding of the world? This work examines these questions through a series of essays focused on Egypt in the 20th century.
Trade Review“Timothy Mitchell’s new book is brilliant. Written for academics . . . the writing is superb. The prose is luminous and limpid, undergirded by steely passion and resolve.” * EPD: Society and Space *
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Rule of Experts is the most exciting and intellectually stimulating book about the Middle East to come my way in a long time. It is a brilliant set of inter-related essays about late-19th- and 20th-century Egypt. . . . This book will surely be required reading for most students and faculty in Middle East studies.” * International Journal of Middle East Studies *
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Rules of Experts is the most significant collection of essays by a single author to be produced in contemporary Middle East social science in a generation. There is no one writing today in the field more important than Mitchell.” * Middle East Journal *
“The importance of this book goes well beyond the study of Egypt and the Middle East, making it a must read for everyone interested in the formations and effects of modern power.” * Transforming Anthropology *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Note on Transliteration Introduction I. Economies of Truth 1. Can the Mosquito Speak? 2. Principles True in Every Country 3. The Character of Calculability II. Peasant Studies 4. The Invention and Reinvention of the Peasant 5. Nobody Listens to a Poor Man 6. Heritage and Violence III. Fixing the Economy 7. The Object of Development 8. The Market's Place 9. Dreamland Notes Select Bibliography Index
