Bruce Grant Livres

What does it mean to know a world area, or to be part of one, for that matter? The most prominent of „Caucasus paradigms“ paint a picture of a region famous not only for its cultural, linguistic, religious, political, and economic pluralisms, but for its violence, savagery, conflict, and corruption; its nobility, hospitality, natural beauty, and severity. Such paradigms present a paradox: Despite such histories of diaspora, migration, conquest, and cohabitation, the Caucasus is most often conjured as a place of closure to those „from outside“. This volume seeks to turn a longstanding handicap-the perceived „unknowability“ of the Caucasus-into a theme. Bringing together a dozen specialists in anthropology, linguistics, and cultural history, it identifies patterns in how the Caucasus has figured on the world stage through both politics and scholarship. By foregrounding the particular purchases of ethnographic knowledge alongside the fine tunings of cultural histories, it invites readers to reflect on pluralism and its logics in a world area where cultural difference has far too long been seen as a root cause of violence. Contributors: Levon Abrahamian, Sergei Arutiunov, Georgi Derluguian, Murtazali Gadjiev, Rebecca Gould, Bruce Grant, Erin Koch, Philip L. Kohl, Rabadan G. Magomedov, Paul Manning, Shahin Mustafayev, Anton Popov, Seteney Shami, Lale Yal

A chance encounter in a New Delhi garden sparks a passionate yet tragic romance between Annie, an Australian archaeologist, and Gopala, an Indian poet. The narrative shifts fluidly between intimate moments and the complexities of political life, exploring India's rich heritage and Australia's quest for identity. Interwoven with love poems from the 14th century, the story culminates in a poignant declaration of love that transcends time and loss, prompting Annie's transformative journey upon her return to Australia.

Set against the backdrop of Australian and Indonesian politics, the story follows an Australian businessman and the daughter of an Indonesian mystic, each harboring distinct hopes for their nations. Their contrasting views on love and family lead them to a secular marriage in Prague, where they aim to champion a liberal, democratic vision. However, their aspirations are challenged by political tensions and cultural complexities, intertwining personal and national identities in a narrative that explores love in a rapidly changing world.