James Suzman Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About James Suzman

The author and widely renowned anthropologist James Suzman is highly regarded for his unique and knowledgeable work in the field of anthropology. Travelling all over the world, he really shows a true understanding of the many different cultures and people he visits, relating his journey in an accessible manner. Not only that, but he’s a creative and intelligent writer, speaking to the reader in a direct and straightforward manner, allowing his work to ultimately come to life on the page. An academic as well a writer, he always allows his own voice to shine through, making his work intimate and personal to him

From all of this his work has resonated with readers from around the world, reaching a global audience, shining the light on various different cultures. This can make for highly interesting and informative reading, as he’s never afraid to experience new horizons, always immersing himself at every level. Letting his subjects essentially speak for themselves, this has proven to be hugely successful, as he’s become enormously influential within his field. With both his critics and his contemporaries singing his many praises, he’s appreciated by readers both far and wide.

He also works with photography, showing what he’s writing about in clear and vivid detail, showing everything close up. Bringing to light serious social issues as well, he writes with a conscience, something which adds a lot of weight and impact to his writing. Setting himself apart from other writers within his field, he continue impress readers from all over with his unique and idiosyncratic voice. There’s a lot more to come in the near future as well, as he continues to write and work with various global incentives and initiatives.

Early and Personal Life

Born in South Africa in Johannesburg, James Suzman would grow up with a keen interest in different cultures, writing, and people. Attending Michaelhouse boarding school, he would later go on to gain an MA (HONS) from the University of St Andrews in 1993 based in social anthropology. He would also go on to then receive a PhD in social anthropology from the University of Edinburgh in 1996.

Following all this he would go on to work as a social anthropologist, working with minority rights of indigenous people. This would see him become an active member of several different groups and actions, including the ‘Minority Rights Group,’ which would see him become an integral member of the community. Working with figures such as Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, he continues to write and promote various social initiatives and programs.

Writing Career

Much of James Suzman’s writing and work has gone into publishing various different papers and academic texts. Producing multiple research publications, he has brought to light the plight of many different minorities and groups, as well as looking at different political directives. Writing about the diamond trade in Africa, he’s dealt with serious issues, looking at the environmental impact and what it means.

Publishing longer books to, he’s produced renowned titles such as ‘Affluence Without Abundance’ looking at the fate of the Bushmen in the modern world. Seeing his name in various different prestigious publications too, such as The New York Times, his profile is respected by many. Continuing to write and make an impact with his work, he has lots more planned in the pipeline for the future.

Affluence Without Abundance: The Disappearing World of the Bushmen

First brought out in 2017 on the 11th of July in 2017, this would originally come out through the Bloomsbury USA publishing label to much acclaim. It’s a straightforward non-fiction title charting the lives of the Bushmen living in South Africa, showing who they are as people. Shining a light on various different social issues, it really is a fascinating study, making some important points along the way.

Living in South Africa since the evolution of humanity for almost two hundred thousand years, the Bushmen of the Kalahari have endured. One of the oldest civilizations, Suzman poses the question as to whether hunter-gatherers who’ve taken only what they needed from the environment can inform society today. With global society facing serious environmental and economic issues, something could be learned from the Bushmen and how they live. Looking at how they live, Suzman brings them to life, showing who they are and what their culture means to the modern world.

This is a heartfelt book with a lot to say, and it’s clear that Suzman feels passionately about the subject matter. Writing in an engaging manner, he shows every aspect of the Bushman’s lives, and how they interact with their environment. With no background information prior to picking it up, it’s easy to read, learning more about the subject matter in a compelling manner.

Work: A History of How we spend our Time

Initially released through the Bloomsbury Circus publishing label, this first came out in 2020 on the 3rd of September. Another work of non-fiction, this takes the subject of work and looks back upon the history of it throughout the different ages. Charting how it has evolved over time, it really works on multiple levels, making for an interesting and intriguing title.

Looking at the nature of society and work, here James Suzman analyzes what work really means and how people’s relationships have changed over the years. Examining previous societies and civilizations years back, it studies whether people have always lived to work, or worked to live. Drawing his information from a whole range of different sources, including anthropology, evolutionary biology, and archaeology, he gets to the heart of the subject. Analyzing the roots of how the modern work culture was originally attached to the agricultural revolution over ten thousand years ago.

This really is a fascinating study that has a wealth of information, really pushing it forwards, making for an engaging and compelling read. There’s so much here that it was difficult to put down, which is also helped in part by Suzman’s writing style and tone carrying it along. The book stands testament to him as an author, and is a must for both fans of him as an author, and those interested in finding out more on the subject matter.