2010
Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mention: Bruce Grant
Title: The Captive and the Gift: Cultural Histories of Sovereignty in Russia and the Caucasus (Cornell University Press)
Bruce Grant crafts a smart and unique take on the complex and acrimonious relationship between Russia and the Caucasus. It is an issue of historic and contemporary importance, which Grant illuminates in this highly original case study, drawn from multi-media and interview sources and embedded in a rich intellectual discussion. It is a marvelously written and lyrical book.
Honorable Mention: Douglas Rogers
Title: The Old Faith and the Russian Land: A Historical Ethnography of Ethics in the Urals (Cornell University Press)
Rogers shows that there is still considerable value in a village ethnography. The focus on ethical systems and their effects on the management of human capital is a valuable addition to the anthropology of post-socialism. It is especially noteworthy for the attention it brings to communities like Sepych, whose experiences and internal logic often contrast sharply with the visions and goals of policy-makers. The study is enriched by combining a historical approach with contemporary ethnographic research.
Winner: Olga Shevchenko