{"product_id":"cebuano-sorcery-malign-magic-in-the-philippines-scholarly","title":"Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines - Scholarly","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines, readers looking for a serious anthropological treatment will find the clearest reason to buy: it is a careful, case-based account of persistent sorcery beliefs in Cebuano society. Richard W. Lieban draws on decades of fieldwork to present 111 case studies and historical comparisons that illuminate how barang sorcery and enchanted insects are perceived and feared across generations. This review focuses on the book's strengths for scholars, students, and culturally curious readers who want grounded evidence over speculation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtensive fieldwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e The author uses primary research conducted in Negros and Cebu City to give readers firsthand ethnographic detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase-study approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e 111 individual case studies provide concrete examples that make patterns of belief and practice visible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical comparison:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book juxtaposes contemporary cases with Spanish colonial-era accounts to show cultural continuities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus on barang sorcery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Detailed attention to the feared practice involving enchanted insects clarifies a central element of regional belief.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThematic depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Discussion of how modernization, colonialism, and Western medicine intersect with sorcery beliefs deepens readers' understanding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScholars of anthropology, history, and Southeast Asian studies will appreciate the rigorous documentation and long-term perspective; the book is suitable as a supplemental text for university courses that examine witchcraft, medical beliefs, or Philippine cultural history. Graduate students conducting research on belief systems or folklore will find the case studies especially useful for comparative work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking a light read or an introductory overview without detailed documentation should look elsewhere, as the tone and structure are scholarly rather than popular. Those wanting a broad survey of Philippine religion without a tight ethnographic focus may find this work narrower in scope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWell-documented fieldwork lends credibility and depth to the descriptions of local practice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe 111 case studies make abstract concepts tangible by showing how belief operates in real situations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eComparisons with historical records reveal continuities that challenge assumptions about rapid cultural change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe scholarly style and density of case material may be dense for general readers seeking a concise overview.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRichard W. Lieban\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegion studied\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNegros and Cebu City, Cebuano region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary subject\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarang sorcery and enchanted insects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMethod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEthnographic fieldwork and historical comparison\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCase studies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e111 documented cases\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCebuano Sorcery is a valuable, well-researched book for specialists and serious students interested in how sorcery persists amid social change. Its extensive case studies and historical framing make it good value for anyone seeking an evidence-based account of barang sorcery rather than a sensationalized treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book rely on firsthand research?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The author draws on fieldwork conducted in Negros and Cebu City to present ethnographic evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many case studies are included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book contains 111 case studies documenting contemporary and historical accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the book suitable for general readers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is written in a scholarly style and is best suited to students and researchers rather than casual readers seeking a light introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Richard W. 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