Of Critical Theory and Its Theorists

by Stephen Eric Bronner

Bronner (poiltical science, Rutgers U.) ranges across many fields, from philosophy and aesthetics to politics and anthropology, to reconstruct the radical aims of critical theory and evaluate its successes, its failings, and its legacy. He also provides interpretations of critical theory's most important representatives, including Lukßcs, Benjamin, Adorno, Marcuse, Fromm, and Habermas. Paper edition (unseen), $22.95. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

372 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Stephen Eric Bronner is an American political scientist and philosopher, Board of Governors Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, and is the Director of Global Relations for the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly excellent. The best secondary source on the FS of critical theory I've read thus far.

[Thai Divone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not an easy read. It is quite surprising, considering the fact that it should serve as an introductory book (and me being an avid critical theory reader), and yet it was. It doesn't mean that I didn't like it, or anything of that matter, but finishing it didn't come joyfully enough.
As a book about critical theory, it is somewhat of a surprise to find such a narrow definition of what the term actually mean: The works of the Frankfurt School, also a few of their predecessors. For me, this is a slight disappointment, as it leaves much to be covered. And yet, regarding this narrow definition, it does suggest a mostly illuminating critique of some of the most famous critical theorists of the 20th century.

[Moria Drake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Marginally relevent to study, but dry and uninteresting (to me — my rating, not a reflection on the quality of the text)