Duke University Press Log

Cuba Behind the Facelift

The New York Times features an article about rebuilding of parts of Old Havana that are most frequented by tourists. Reporter James C. McKinley, Jr. finds that "the renovation has only gone so far, and tens of thousands of people are still trapped in squalid buildings just blocks from the refurbished zones, giving rise to grumbling among some residents that the renovation amounts to a Potemkin village for visitors." For a fascinating look at the real Cuba, check out our new book Crossing the Water: A Photographic Path to the Afro-Cuban Spirit World by Claire Garoutte and Anneke Wambaugh. These two photographers go behind the scenes with a Cuban spiritual leader to show us pictures of religious rituals few outside the faith have ever seen.

Robert Bellah wins Martin E. Marty Award

Robert N. Bellah, distinguished author of many books including The Robert Bellah Reader, has won the American Academy of Religion's Martin E. Marty Public Understanding of Religion Award. The award goes to those whose work has a relevance and eloquence that speaks, not just to scholars, but more broadly to the public as well. Duke Press celebrated Bellah's award with a wine and cheese reception at the annual meeting of the AAR in San Diego yesterday.

Crossing the Water in PW

Crossing the Water: A Photographic Path to the Afro-Cuban Spirit World by Claire Garoutte and Anneke Wambaugh has received a starred review in Publishers Weekly (subscription required). The reviewer writes, "Photographers Garoutte and Wambaugh demystify and celebrate the Afro-Cuban religions of Santería, Palo Monte and Espiritismo. . . . What results is a respectful, vibrant account of Afro-Cuban religions, enhanced by more than 150 vivid photographs."