Postmodernism for Beginners

Let me first note that this review isn't for the print book but rather for the 2-hour audio presentation, which is a very different animal. Instead of just narrating the book, the presentation uses actors playing characters, sound effects, music samples, and interviews. In other words, the presentation format is itself postmodern, which I imagine was quite intentional. For the most part, this unusual approach works, though... Read Full Review

Introducing Postmodernism is a basic introduction to Postmodern thought. As it is a basic introduction, it does not go very far into depth on any one aspect of Postmodern thought. Still, it clearly represents the main aspects of Postmodernism namely, legitimization, reproducibility and hyper reality. Before reading this book I had no idea what Postmodernism was, now at least I have some idea. The book includes a useful list... Read Full Review

The book is the best short treatment of recent intellectual currents in western thought that I have read. It is especially applicable to the U.S. in the quotation: "The crux of postmodernity is that there are two 'presents'." One is a 'spectre' present, a Virtual Reality techno-media simulacrum that makes the other 'real' present appear borderline, fugitive, elusive." T.R. Cattan

I really enjoyed the unique approach that this book took towards explaining post modernism in a straight forward non-academic manner. The book reads like Mad Magazine does Post Modernism. It is illustrated throughout and you know what...It's zany, fun, and delightful.. You would have to be a real sourpuss or maybe on of those three or four people who don't like Mad magazine, the Marx Brothers, or the Three Stooges not to... Read Full Review

Enjoyable, accessible, and hard to put down for anyone who is interested in the development of the humanities in the 20th century. Unlike most books on the subject, this book recognizes the depth and often contradictory and confusing notions of what exactly it means to use the word "postmodern." I would say it's essential for those interested in philosophy, art, social theory, etc. And it's funny, entertaining, and probably... Read Full Review