Product Details

• Published on: 1988-11
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Library Journal
Johnson's form here is the short critical essaywitty, elliptical, provocative. This doesn't mean she avoids weighty subjects. We find shrewd defences of deconstruction; a variety of approachesnuanced, challenging, sometimes reconditeto the feminine; other studies on the marginality of writing (e.g., Zora Neale Hurston); and continuing explorations of the Symbolist aesthetic. Throughout, Johnson foregrounds a major preoccupation of recent theory: "Is a willingness to carry an inquiry to the point of undecidability necessarily at odds with political engagement?" In meeting this challenge she is led beyond formalism to "a much messier form of bricolage," a style that runs certain risks but that is here justified by a consistent seriousness and commitment. Alexander Gelley, English & Comparative Literature Dept., Univ. of California, Irvine
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

differences building the world
The fact that we are living in a world of differences is, basically, well-known. But who establish this differences? I think that the only authority is the one who ask the question, and "makes the difference". Our identity is a construction of who we think we are and of our image in the others eyes. The author(ity) of this book points this in a clear way. Derrida watch his disciple from the background of his writings, and, once more, naming the difference means: making the difference. This book can be very useful for the people living in Eastern Europe who are trying to find their "diferrence" in a large area of european identities. In fact, we are all members of certain minority, as individuals (for example, the academic minority who read Barbara Johnson in Romania)- before making part of a majority. The book is a perfect tool to review our traditions, customs, the past and the history who made us what we are now.

differences building the world
The fact that we are living in a world of differences is ,basically,well-known.But who establish this differences?I think that the only authority is the one who ask the question,and"makes the difference".Our identity is a construction of who we think we are and of our image in the others eyes.The author(ity) of this book points this in a clear way.Derrida watch his disciple from the background of his writings,and ,once more, naming the difference means:making the difference.This book can be verry useful for the people living in Eastern Europe who are trying to find their "diferrence"in a large area of european identities.in fact,we are all members of certain minority,as individuals(for example,the academic minority who read Barbara Johnson in Romania )-before making part of a majority.The book is a perfect tool to review our traditions,customs,the past and the history who made us what we are now.

differences building the world
The fact that we are living in a world of differences is ,basically,well-known.But who establish this differences?I think that the only authority is the one who ask the question,and"makes the difference".Our identity is a construction of who we think we are and of our image in the others eyes.The author(ity) of this book points this in a clear way.Derrida watch his disciple from the background of his writings,and ,once more, naming the difference means:making the difference.This book can be verry useful for the people living in Eastern Europe who are trying to find their "diferrence"in a large area of european identities.in fact,we are all members of certain minority,as individuals(for example,the academic minority who read Barbara Johnson in Romania )-before making part of a majority.The book is a perfect tool to review our traditions,customs,the past and the history who made us what we are now.