Introduction

Among the social sciences, the purpose of anthropology is to study that which is distant by getting closer to it, and that which is close by taking distance from it. More than any other, the realm of the night lends itself to this dual exercise, insomuch that we see our own perspective, habits and experience as universal and rational, while those of others—exotic in time or space—seem surprising, even bewildering. Comparative studies are essential: cosmic, sociological and cultural. One must ..