Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents vii
3. Foreword ix
4. Prologue: The man himself xi
5. Note on Arabic words xxv
6. Introduction. Why “laughter”? 1
7. 1. Exploring origins. The choice of anthropology 8
8. 2. Studying anthropology in Oregon. “How wonderful!” 19
9. 3. Being Lebanese. A nationality or a profession? 32
10. 4. Religious syncretism. “I offer sacrifices to my ancestors on Friday because I am a Muslim” 44
11. 5. Lebanese traders in West Africa. Always ending the day in losses 50
12. 6. Change as faith. The restless Americans 61
13. 7. Teaching in Beirut. “Sir, keep this information to yourself ” 72
14. 8. Establishing an Arab association for the social sciences. The tyranny of consensus 88
15. 9. The exotic in the suburbs of Beirut “It is written” 94
16. 10. Alumni and 'ulama in Bahrain. “We all seek knowledge” 104
17. 11. Open secrets Discussable but not publishable 120
18. 12. Table manners in Yemen. Eat! Do not talk! 127
19. 13. The official policy toward emigration in Lebanon. “We eat bread, not potatoes” 139
20. 14. The Arab rich. “An ugly horse that wins the race is praised for its good looks” 147
21. 15. Who wants to be a zaἵm? The agony of fame 156
22. 16. Living in Great Britain. “The best in the world” 166
23. Appendix 1: List of Research Projects 179
24. Appendix 2: List of Publications 182
25. Index 189