Article published In: The Afterlife of the Life History
[Journal of Narrative and Life History 2:1] 1992
► pp. 29–38
From Beginning to End: An Irish Life History
Published online: 4 August 2015
https://doi.org/10.1075/jnlh.2.1.04fro
https://doi.org/10.1075/jnlh.2.1.04fro
Abstract
This article discusses the two ends of the life-history process: the reasons for its undertaking and the research assumptions these engender, and the impact of the published account on readers. In doing so, I draw on my own experience in the research and writing of Nan: The Life of an Irish Travelling woman (Gmelch, 1986/1991) and upon the responses of Traveller and non-Traveller readers to this life history. (Ethnographic research; life-history interviewing, editing, and narra-tive construction; literary criticism)
References (14)
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Gmelch, S. (1986). Groups that don't want in: Gypsies and other artisan, trader and entertainer minorities. Annual Review of Anthropology, 151, 307–330.
(1991). Nan: The Life of an Irish Travelling woman. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland. (Original work published 1986).
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