Karen McCarthy Brown

  • Karen McCarthy Brown was a respected anthropologist and scholar of religion, known for her groundbreaking work on Haitian Vodou.

  • Her book "Mama Lola" is considered a seminal text in the field, praised for its innovative approach to ethnography.

  • Brown's research method involved deep personal engagement with her subjects, eventually leading to her own initiation into Vodou.

  • This unique perspective allowed her to provide intimate insights into the religion and its practitioners.

  • Brown's work challenged traditional academic boundaries and reshaped anthropological practices.

  • Tragically, she developed early-onset Alzheimer's in the late 2000s, cutting short her prolific career.

  • Her legacy continues to influence religious studies and anthropology.

Books by Karen McCarthy Brown