Difference

by Mark Currie

In the 1970s, the concept of "difference" transformed our understanding of language and our reading of literary texts. Since then it has found application in almost every branch of literary and cultural studies. In this accessible, lively volume, Mark Currie traces the diverse meanings and changing fortunes of the term from a wide geography of sources in philosophy, linguistics, feminism, cultural geography and cultural theory.The author follows the concept from its most widely studied articulations in structuralism and poststructuralism to broader critical issues such as individuality, diversity and universality. He offers particular discussion *Identity and difference*Difference and reference*Differance*Different histories*Difference and equivalenceDisplaying a remarkable range of discussion and unique insight into underlying philosophical and social debates, "Difference" is the best possible introduction to a term at the very heart of recent critical thought.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2004

Reviews

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a handy book of secondary if you're interested in the structuralist, poststructuralist, and broadly feminist ideas of difference (and differance!). It's clear and concise, even when discussing writers like Derrida. However, I did find that it lost some of its clarity in the last chapter, which discusses very contemporary figures such as Badiou, Zizek, and Butler.

Overall worthwhile, and recommended to those who are interested in structuralism and poststructuralism.

[Woojung Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

very insightful analysis overall