Culture; Raymond Williams once wrote; is one of the most difficult words in language. Since then the concept has become part of our everyday vocabulary; it is used in a variety of different contexts: to describe the behaviour of corporations or criminals; to provide personal and national identity; it even gives its name to a Department of State. In this engaging new textbook; Fred Inglis charts the history of the concept from its origins in the German Enlightenment to contemporary attempts to come to terms with the cultural impact of globalization. Drawing on the work of leading philosophers and theorists; the author adopts a broadly chronological approach to explore the changing definitions and contestations of culture over time. He concludes by highlighting the potential shortcomings of postmodernism; and argues for the continuing need to apply ancient values of truthfulness; goodness and beauty to all discussions of culture. This lively introduction will be of interest to undergraduate students and scholars in sociology; politics; anthropology; cultural and media studies.
#948113 in Books 2007-01-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.37 x 6.60 x 8.98l; 1.70 #File Name: 0743297199496 pagesCivil Rights History; signed by author
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best book on the subject.By Tony LAs one who has read many books on the Little Rock Nine; this is the best book and it is the one to have. This author has really done here homework and gives a plethora of footnotes by which to track down the data sources. This book is worth five.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Little Rock School CrisisBy Marcia L. TaliaferroI was there. The author was a neighbor. This is a very detailed and true analysis of the events. I knew many of the people; all of the places and experienced being without a high school first hand. Fifty years later; it is hard to believe that this mentality existed; but it absolutely did. The male politics from Faubus on down are not really so difficult to believe and are amusing and entertaining to re-experience. The rationality of the women who ended the fiasco reflects the responsible element that had to be. This book is a "must read" for all southerners who are now in their mid-sixties.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best Book on the Subject; Even Better than mine!!By Berlin Plamenatz Hart KnappA lifetime's work shows in this excellent history of the Little Rock desegregation crisis. The superb writing and in-depth research make this a great read. I would differ with the emphasis of her general thesis about the role of protecting Southern womanhood; but this is niggling. What is important is that Betsy has written the definitive story of Little Rock's sad time and the first chapter of the history of modern desegregation confrontations in America.
