The Cambridge Companion to Walter Benjamin (Cambridge Companions to Literature)

by David S. Ferris (Editor)

This Companion offers a comprehensive introduction to the thought of the highly influential twentieth-century critic and theorist Walter Benjamin. The volume provides examinations of the different aspects of Benjamin's work that have had a significant effect on contemporary critical and historical thought. Topics discussed by experts in the field include Benjamin's relation to the avant-garde movements of his time, his theories on language and mimesis, modernity, his significance and relevance to modern cultural studies, and his autobiographical writings. Additional material includes a guide to further reading and a chronology.

Genres: Philosophy, Theory

268 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2004

Reviews

[Rudolph]

confusing book... for ex. benjamin talks about how art used to have an "aura" but now it doesn't because it's "commodified"... ferris doesn't seem to understand this fundamental idea of benjamin's, referring for example to "Benjamin’s need to document commodification and the aura it casts around objects, culture, and social organization" (pg 127). This is just wrong... benjamin is saying commodification REMOVES the aura. i mean, it's a confusing idea in the first place, as "mystification" is kind of reminiscent of the idea of an "aura," but come on, you gotta at least try to keep the terminology straight.

[maria bucșea]

vvvvery helpful

[Barry]

Especially recommended are the contributions by Howard Caygill and Rebecca Comay.