'This book offers a fascinating tapestry of reflections on different themes at the centre of Robert Chambers’ work over many decades. As a conversation between Robert and many diverse collaborators, the book provides an important commentary on many of today’s big challenges for development. The book is a real treasure trove of interesting insights – a must-read for anyone interested in poverty, power, participation and progressive change.'
Ian Scoones, Institute of Development Studies and co-editor of 'Revolutionizing Development: Reflections on the Work of Robert Chambers'

‘A creative and unique collection which offers a fascinating journey through four decades of development thinking and practice. Readable, enjoyable and insightful!’
John Gaventa, Professor, Institute of Development Studies

‘Robert’s forewords reveal his deep humanity, concern for those that are systematically excluded from social and economic processes that are central to their survival, and keen awareness of the human generated systems that generate these inequities. Yet they also reveal his awareness of how outdated worldviews and paradigms favor the status quo, are hidden in plain sight in the form of “normal professionalism” and how they can be disrupted through critical participatory methodologies. Most importantly, his forewords reveal his own humility and constant recognition of what he doesn’t know and needs to learn, which gives us as readers permission to “not know” so that we might learn and give space for others to know. After giving Robert a cartoon zine recently that was inspired by his influence on my practice, perplexed, Robert asked me the question “does it self-spread, can it self-spread?” While I will bring this beautiful challenge to my work moving forward, I can say that indeed his ideas do and will continue to self-spread through this volume, as those of us who have had the privilege to know him and his ideas, will continue to take them forward through our community engagement praxis.’
Alfredo Ortiz Aragón, Co Author of Action Research, 5th Edition (with Ernie Stringer)

Robert Chambers Robert Chambers is widely recognized as one of the main driving forces behind the great surge of interest in the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal around the world. He has been a Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies since 1972 and is an author, co editor and contributor of many books.

Tessa Lewin Tessa is a Research Fellow at IDS. She is a development professional with over 20 years of experience working on participatory action-research projects both as a researcher and visual practitioner.