Voices

An engrossing new exploration of an uncanny aspect of consciousness: the phenomenon of hearing voices

What does it mean when we hear a voice inside our head, or a voice that isn’t there? What is happening when we hear the advice of a family member, coach, or deity as if they were right beside us? In this strikingly original work, renowned anthropologist T. M. Luhrmann examines the nature of thoughts that don’t feel like our own.

Voice-hearing is poorly understood by science, yet voices are at the heart not only of moments of great despair but also of transcendence. Across decades of fieldwork with shamans, Goddess worshippers, evangelicals, psychiatric patients, artists, and meditation practitioners, Luhrmann noticed a pattern: when people learned to pay attention to their minds in particular ways, they started hearing voices.

As she explores the many sides of voice-hearing through vivid stories, Luhrmann argues our ability to hear voices in this way is a core element of the human mind. Most people will audibly hear a voice at some point in their lives, and we all experience a mild version far more often. Voices can inspire artists, lead Olympic medalists to victory, and help people escape near-death catastrophes. They can deepen one’s faith, help the grieving let go of the dead, and bring us closer to ourselves. Even in cases where they veer into madness, voices can still feel moving and profound.

Nuanced and humane, Voices illuminates how consciousness is far more porous and malleable than we think, bringing us a startling new view of our strange and remarkable minds.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs