Theater in a Crowded Fire: Ritual and Spirituality at Burning Man

by Lee Gilmore

Every summer, thousands gather from around the world in the blistering heat of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for the seven-day celebration of art, community, and fire known as Burning Man. Culminating in the spectacular incineration of a wooden effigy, this festival is grand-scale theater for self-expression, personal transformation, eclectic spirituality, communal bonding, and cultural renewal. In this engrossing ethnography of the Burning Man phenomenon, Lee Gilmore explores why “burners” come in vast numbers to transform a temporary gathering of strangers into an enduring community. Accompanied by a DVD, which provides panoramic views of events, individuals, artworks, and, of course, the climactic final night, the book delves into the varieties of spirituality, ritual, and performance conducted within the festival space.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, History

254 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2010

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you can get past the academic facade, the book uncovers some interesting data about why Burning Man hits on such a deep cultural chord.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good teaching text for introductory course (anthropology or religion). Makes sense of a current popular phenomenon via rubrics of religion, spirituality, community and ritual. Relies heavily on Victor Turner's ritual analysis, which is certainly appropriate but the author could have used the opportunity to engage with, challenge or build on Turner's (and others') ideas rather than merely apply them.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been to Burning Man though almost everyone I know has been. This book (and accompanying DVD) gave me a larger, more comprehensive picture of the event than I have gotten from friends' stories.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like the Graduate Thesis that it is....mostly dry and academic, and very little in here that you're not aware of if you're a Burner already, although some nice analysis of how the nature of the BM experience has changed and evolved over the last 25 years.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting study on how these two aspects are featured at Burning Man. Well written and well presented from all angles, even those who see no spiritual connection at the festival. Guess I'll find out in a few days!!

[Jake Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone interested in the spiritual/religious themes explored at Burning Man. Lee autographed my book, YEAH

[Katie Hazard]

i thought i had read enough books about burning man, but this one kinda appeals to me...