A Dictionary of Critical Theory

by Ian Buchanan

Boasting more than 750 entries, this is the most wide-ranging and up-to-date dictionary of critical theory available, covering the whole range of critical theory, including the Frankfurt school, cultural materialism, cultural studies, gender studies, film studies, literary theory,
hermeneutics, historical materialism, internet studies, sociopolitical critical theory, and much more. Entries clearly explain even the most complex of theoretical discourses, such as Marxism, psychoanalysis, structuralism, deconstruction, and postmodernism. There are biographies of important
figures in the field, with feature entries for those who have heavily influenced areas of the discipline. Entries are fully cross-referenced and contain further reading where appropriate. To provide relevant extra information, this edition features recommended web links for many entries, accessible
via the Dictionary of Critical Theory companion website, where they are checked regularly and kept up to date. Covering all aspects of the subject from globalization and race studies, to queer theory and feminism, this multidisciplinary A-Z is essential for students of literary and cultural studies
and is useful for anyone studying a subject requiring a knowledge of theory.

Genres: Philosophy, Reference, Dictionaries, Nonfiction, Theory, Classics

512 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Born in rural Western Australia, Buchanan grew up in the suburbs of Perth. He did his BA and PhD in the English and Comparative Literature program at Murdoch University, graduating in 1995. His PhD dissertation, entitled, "Heterology: Towards a Transcendental Empiricist Approach to Cultural Studies" attempted to fuse the work of de Certeau and Deleuze for the purposes of doing cultural analysis

Reviews

[Amy]

Idk this shouldn’t count as a book I’ve read but it’s so useful for anyone starting to do critical theory I’m adding it anyway

[Farzaneh · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have been using this book nonstop for almost a year for all my research, not only provides fascinating accessible entries to a wide range of concepts, thinkers and ideas but more importantly each entry includes further reading suggestions. I have also recommended the book to many university students at all levels. highly recommended.

[Craig Langon · Rating 1 out of 5]

For me, this is a poor cousin to the Penguin Critical Theory Dictionary version. It's less concise and has inaccurate definitions which are sometimes overly complex or don't give a true definition, i.e. "Body without organs"

[Ajith. T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for reference.

[AYAH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one in conjunction with The Penguin Dictionary of Critical Theory I think I enjoyed this one more despite my aversion to intellectual nonsense!