Optical Media

by Friedrich Kittler, Anthony Enns (Translator)

This major new book provides a concise history of optical media from Renaissance linear perspective to late twentieth-century computer graphics. Kittler begins by looking at European painting since the Renaissance in order to discern the principles according to which modern optical perception was organized. He also discusses the development of various mechanical devices, such as the camera obscura and the laterna magica, which were closely connected to the printing press and which played a pivotal role in the media war between the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. After examining this history, Kittler then addresses the ways in which images were first stored and made to move, through the development of photography and film. He discusses the competitive relationship between photography and painting as well as between film and theater, as innovations like the Baroque proscenium or "picture-frame" stage evolved from elements that would later constitute cinema. The central question, however, is the impact of film on the ancient monopoly of writing, as it not only provoked new forms of competition for novelists but also fundamentally altered the status of books. In the final section, Kittler examines the development of electrical telecommunications and electronic image processing from television to computer simulations. In short, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the history of image production that is indispensable for anyone wishing to understand the prevailing audiovisual conditions of contemporary culture.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Art, Film, Theory, Nonfiction, Art History

332 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[homoness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather concise wrap-up of all things Kittlerian: there's the anti-humanism, there's the sexism, there's the insistence on media and technology, there's the bellicism and so forth.

Yet, it is also filled to the brim with ingenious remarks, conclusions and connections that are wildly speculative at times, yet absolutely refreshing and interesting. What distinguishes Kittler from many other writers is his ardent refusal of any trope; historiographically and theoretically.

So, if you're interested in media, technology and the coming of optical media, and want to get a narrative that is more than just the usual erudite scholarship, this is the book for you.

May come with rants about political correctness and bizarre remarks on kama-sutra, tho...

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

His understanding is too technical. It always gets problematic whenever scholars from the humanitarian side get too much involved in science. This is not a comment just out of this one book. It's after quite a bit read of media theories.
However, it is nevertheless a different angle.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, Hegel-influenced view on the history of image technology. For the most part the writing style is clear and the English translation seems accurate, though there may be a few misunderstood points. Consistently good quality and surprisingly good grasp of technical matters for someone with a background in German literature, with only a few surprising gaffs.

[A.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More sensical. Still problematic.

[Steen Ledet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book on how images and illusions grew historically into cinema, which was anticipated centuries ago.

[André · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recension critique sur mon site Histoire de la télévision : https://www.histv.net/kittler