The Politics of Postmodernism

by Linda Hutcheon

Explores the politic of representation, focusing on both mass media and high art forms.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theory, Philosophy, Politics, Literary Criticism

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Lysergius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I fully agree with the whole notion of postmodernism. Rather depends on an acceptance of the concept of modernism I think. Still the arguments are coherent, the range of sources quoted very wide. Reasonably lucid al in all...

[Маx Nestelieiev · Rating 4 out of 5]

прекрасна Гатчен-3: продовження її "Поетики", деякі уточнення і політичні зауваги (фактично зміщення уваги на ПМ як на політичний проєкт)+більше про архітектуру і фотографію

[Ruan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you agree or not with Hutcheon's ideas, there is a lot to find in such a short and thought-provoking book. Readable and informative. Highly recommended.

[ManMothz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hutcheon’s central thesis, that postmodernist techniques both question and re-inscribe power (Sort of like a mediaeval jester. A jester was the only one who could undermine the King, but he could only do so because the King allowed him to, and there was only a point in doing so because of the power the King had) is well taken, but she’s a bit too hard on Jameson I think. Jameson’s issue with postmodern literature and art is that they have no central history, no central politics. Hutcheon balks at this, but then accepts a similar version of this criticism when talking about feminist and post-colonial approaches.
Maybe I’m being a little sensitive because he just recently passed. There’s a chance I don’t know what I’m on about.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading, I was only familiar with Hutcheson's essay on historiographic metafiction, but the rest of the book is equally compelling. A good antidote to Jameson's (in my opinion) dismissive attitude towards the postmodern.

[Jay Shelat · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not as grandiose and groundbreaking as its predecessor, The Politics of Postmodernism compellingly interrogates postmodern literature and photography with a methodology that focuses on the politics of representation.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer to a 3.5. Digestible introduction to postmodernism, although I wish Hutcheon emphasized fiction as much as she did photography. Helpful intersection of feminist theory and postmodern aesthetics.

[Mahitosh Mandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend both - The Poetics of Postmodernism and The Politics of Postmodernism - to my students. Extremely accessible for students and scholars alike.

[Dan]

Acquired Jun 28, 2005
Attic Books, London, Ontario