To his credit though, Chavannaes never really attempts such an interpretation. He is a social antropologist, and writes this book in an occupationally fitting academic manner.

To better understand Rastafari as a mentality...listen to Bob Marley. To better understand Rastafari as you would an American history course....read this book. Both forms of learning are legitimate, and i think my overall disappointment in this book came from me expecting the former while receiving the latter. It's a good history book....but thats just not what i was looking for.


Read this and understand...   May 3, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Back in college, I decided that I was going to major in Ethnomusicology, concentrating specifically on Caribbean Rhythm and Culture. While trodding this enlightening path (I grew up in a small, white-bread town on the Connecticut shoreline), I came across this piece of literature. Naturally, I originally checked it out for a research project concerning Rastafari. A few years (and nearly a dozen check-outs) later I have decided that it is time for me to purchase this book. I have read it cover to cover multiple times and never fail to pick up something completely new and exciting in each chapter. It needs to have a home in my permanent collection. The strength of thought and culture displayed within this book, coupled with the sounds of groups like The Abyssinians, Steel Pulse, Gondwana (the one from Chile not Austrailia), and the honorable Bob Marley and the Wailers, have done a great deal to change my life. I HIGHLY reccomend this book for pleasure / research / a deeper look into the world of Rastafari. I have read multiple books either written or edited by Barry Chevannes and this may be the best. It strikes a memorable chord in that it balances readability with a wealth of information. Also, every chapter is nearly a new book in that this volume covers a breadth of Rastafarian topics, from music to I-story to culture to politricks. I hope I enjoys this as much as I do.


Interesting and informative!   April 21, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I first got interested in Rastafarianism by way of William Gibson, who had several characters who were Dreadlocks. My ignorance of what that was all about was, well, somewhat shocking for me at the time. So, I started poking around. Quite a few years ago, I found Rastafari: Roots and Ideology by Barry Chevannes. It followed me around, unread, in a box for several years. Well, I finally read it this past week. What a shame I waited so long!
This was a very good book about the history and origins of a relatively new religion. Among other things, it was fascinating to track the birth of a new faith from its very start through the modern day. As a sociological look at a small, but growing, religious or spiritual movement, this is a great book. It is, however, a rather schollarly look at this movement and, as such, is somewhat dry at times. Still, it presents not only a well-rounded look at the religion, but also the socio-economic forces that shaped it. One of the main "pillars of faith", for instance, is the concept of "repatriation" to Ethiopia. This would never have come about if not for the practice of black slavery in the New World.
I'll not attempt to describe the intricacies of Rastafarianism in a short message, but, if you're interested in knowing more, this book is a great place to start.


Excellent, Targeted Study-- not a beginner's book   September 2, 2001
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Chevannes is a well-known contemporary scholar of Rastafari culture. In this book, he presents several different papers and studies he has done, in the form of chapters. What must be noted is that this is not a general book for people who are just getting interested in Rastafari--but rather an advanced text for people already familiar with the basics of this religio-cultural movement---like its myths, symbols, rituals, and so on.

Having said that, the book covers the history and development of Rastafari, from its roots in Myal religion and West African traditions to its development from Revivalism, another religious movement preceding Rastafari. Chevannes also covers Marcus Garvey, early Ethiopianism, and idealizations of "Africa" that inform Rasta ideology. Religious usage of Ganja and Dreadlocks is also covered, providing a helpful correct to racist right-wing myths about the Rasta.

An especially important chapter called "Word, Sound and Power" details the use of Rasta language. In-depth coverage of concepts such as "Babylon," "I-and-I," as well as the tendency of Rasta's to literalize word parts around the meaning of words is helpful.

This chapter will also help explain why Rastas shy away from vocalizing oppresion language in there own usage---while making it explicit in the language of those from Babylon.. Thus, "oppressor" becomes "downpressor"--conjuring up pictures of active political suppression. Certainly few understand better than the Rasta the power of language to control and direct thought and action.

In addition to this volume, check out the work of Leonard Barrett, and the book "Chanting Down Babylon:The Rastafari Reader" for more, informative, insightful information about this minority religio-cultural movement.