Product Description

What connects Marliyn Monroe, Disneyworld, "The Satanic Verses" and cyber space? Answer: Postmodernism. But what exactly is postmodernism? This graphic guide explains clearly the maddeningly enigmatic concept that has been used to define the world's cultural condition over the last three decades. "Introducing Postmodernism" tracks the idea back to its roots by taking a tour of some of the most extreme and exhilarating events, people and thought of the last 100 years: in art - constructivism, conceptual art, Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol; in politics and history - McCarthy's witch-hunts, feminism, Francis Fukuyama and the Holocaust; in philosophy - the work of Derrida, Baudrillard, Foucault and Heidegger. The book also explores postmodernism's take on today, and the anxious grip of globalisation, unpredictable terrorism and unforeseen war that greeted the dawn of the 21st century. Regularly controversial, rarely straightforward and seldom easy, postmodernism is nonetheless a thrilling intellectual adventure. "Introducing Postmodernism" is the ideal guide.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #211076 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-29
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .60" h x 4.60" w x 6.40" l, .35 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From AudioFile
Uniquely British, this guide takes listeners on a quirky ride from the origins of postmodernism to its present state of influence. Two young British socialites are alternately excited and scandalized by the production's sound-effects-and-music-laden tour of postmodern art, which includes discussion of the artists' motivations and eccentricities, as well as their ground-breaking work. Narrator and cast careen through the philosophy and practice of postmodernism, negotiating humorous twists and audio jokes with flair and clarity. While the young Brits sometimes claim that they'd prefer a nice cup of cocoa to looking at Marcel Duchamp's startling creations, this audiobook manages to entertain and instruct in a distinctly theatric postmodern style. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About the Author
Richard Appignanesi is a novelist, editor and publisher, and a Research Fellow at King's College London. He is the originating editor of the Introducing series.

Chris Garratt is an illustrator. He is the cartoonist behind the legendary 'Biff' comic strip in the Guardian. Ziauddin Sardar is a hugely renowned writer, broadcaster, journalist and critic. 'Britain's own Muslim polymath' (Independent) has become one of the UK's leading intellectuals and writes on a huge variety of subjects in numerous newspapers and magazines throughout the world. He is also Visiting Professor of Postcolonial Studies at the City University, London.

Patrick Curry is a freelance writer and historian living in London. His interests include the history of astrology, literary criticism, politics and ecology.