Thomas Hylland Eriksen (b 1962) is Professor of social anthropology at the University of Oslo and the author of numerous books on anthropological and cultural issues, including SMALL PLACES, LARGE ISSUES and TYRANNY OF THE MOMENt, which have both enjoyed tremendous success in Norway and abroad. From 1993 to 2001 he was affiliated with the Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture at the University of Oslo. His research spans ethnic relations, nation building and cultural dynamism in multicultural societies and he has written several books on such subjects.