The Anthropology of Parliaments Entanglements in Democratic Politics

"With characteristic wit and imagination, Emma Crewe casts her anthropological eye across the spectrum of parliamentary politics. This book is the product of those enquiries - it is sparklingly fresh, insightful, and as ever with this author, more interested in illumination than condemnation."

Jonathan Spencer, University of Edinburgh, UK.

"This is a pioneering anthropological exploration of parliaments from the UK to East Africa and South Asia, through a rigorous, imaginative and productive crossing of disciplinary boundaries. Emma Crewe's study of the sociality of parliaments - elections, representation and scrutiny - is complemented by a fascinating account of the culture of parliaments - their rhythms, riffs and rituals - both drawing on a formidable volume of primary research, from the constituency level to every imaginable aspect of parliamentary practice."

Niraja Gopal Jayal, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India.