The Postmodern

by Simon Malpas

Simon Malpas investigates the theories and definitions of postmodernism and postmodernity, and explores their impact in such areas as identity, history, art, literature and culture. In attempting to map the different forms of the postmodern, and the contrasting experiences of postmodernity in the Western and developing worlds, he looks closely * modernism and postmodernism
* modernity and postmodernity
* subjectivity
* history
* politics. This useful guidebook will introduce students to a range of key thinkers who have sought to question the contemporary situation, and will enable readers to begin to approach the primary texts of postmodern theory and culture with confidence.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Theory, Literary Fiction, Criticism, Art

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2004

Reviews

[Elnaz]

a very detailed explanation on the postmodernist issues.
the writer depicts the problems with post modernity/ism through its comparison with modernity/ism step by step. also one can read between the lines on the prominent theorists of the movements.

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is short but precise. It concentrates only on few philosophers, but it explains well their views. It is coherent and moves logically from a point to another.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned that Jean-François Lyotard, has some pretty interesting ideas about the world, even though he is French and his name sounds like "leotard".

[Pol]

So far, an accessible and engaging read. I began reading this for an essay I should've submitted but never quite got around to writing. Will pick it up again soon.

[Aaron Pogue · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it’s a challengingly academic read, The Postmodern (New Critical Idiom) by Simon Malpas is an excellent introduction to and exploration of postmodernism. The book serves primarily as a review of literature, drawing upon some of the most important works in postmodern thought, and showing how each work shaped the discussion. Malpas’s stated goals for the book is to demonstrate what postmodernism is, but along the way he does an admirable job highlighting its strengths and weaknesses and placing it within the contextual framework of a still quite-effective modernism and realism.

[Abhidev H M · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The function of Disneyland is to conceal this, to prevent the public from recognising the ' fact that the real is no longer real'.."

[Eribunnie⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good and comprehensive guide to my favorite era. I picked it up for a research paper and I learnt a lot for myself too

[Kamakana]

quick, concise, clear, considered. this is a very short, neutral, introductory, intriguing work. as with quantum physics- perhaps when someone tells you they understand 'the postmodern', this is a pretty good indication they do not. for something only 11 years old, this by itself suggests how fast the discourse moves. there is the negative, the positive, the old, the new... many opposite takes. this is a good place to start. though if you want my kind of fun, this is the one to try: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Malpas' discussion of the phenomenon of Postmodernism is quite well-balanced and clear. He incorporates the ideas of many of the major thinkers of the era and makes logical sense of a sometimes illogical set of ideas. Strong on Lyotard and Habermas. Much clearer than Christopher Butlers "A Very Short Introduction to Postmodernism" (OUP)

[Teerabhat Ruensiri · Rating 2 out of 5]

While not terrible, this book doesn't really expand horizon or deepen understanding.