Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction [Hardcover]

David Forgacs (Editor), Robert Lumley (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0198715080 | ISBN-13: 978-0198715085

This is an up-to-date, illustrated introduction to the study of modern Italian culture containing nineteen chapters by specialists in the field of language, politics, religious, ethnic, and gender identities, the mass media, cultural policy, and stars. Adopting a unique and accessible interdisciplinary focus, Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction presents a variety of new perspectives on modern Italian culture. Each of the four parts explore diverse aspects of culture in Italy. 'Geographies' questions received notions of the Italian nation, the family, the 'South' and corruption; it also looks at anthropological approaches to culture and at Italy's linguistic pluralism. 'Identities' examines gender, religion, politics, and ethnicity as a means with which people define themselves and others. 'Media' explores the press, literature, television, and cinema. 'Culture and Society' brings together historical analyses of cultural policy, stars and style, and popular music. Each part is followed by sample analyses of visual materials and includes guidance on further reading. A chronology of political and cultural events since 1900 is also provided. This book is intended for students, teachers, and general readers of modern Italian culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`I have the highest praise for this book. Its design is unique for a book that is so accessible and useful to students ... The book's articles cover a variety of subjects that, until now, have often been treated poorly (if at all) in English-Language publications. I am confident that this work will be of great interest to scholars and students in many disciplines.' George Ferzoco, University of Exeter

`For those unfamiliar with contemporary Itlay, this is a lucid and lively introduction.' Mabel Berezin, Book Reviews, Univeristy of Calafornia, Los Angeles

`'This volume of essays on Italian culture is one in a new and welcome series from the publisher...each of the contributions is clearly written, and most provide short bibliographci appendices of works for further reading...This volume, ably edited by Forgacs and Lumley, is a welcome addition to the literature available in English on contemporary Italy, and will certainly find its place on a good many reading lists.'' D.Christopher Leonard, Trinity College, Hartford, CT.

About the Author

David Forgacs, Fellow of Gonville and Caius; University Lecturer in Italian, Cambridge University. Robert Lumley, Lecturer in Italian Studies, University College, London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198715080
• ISBN-13: 978-0198715085
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,309,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Italian History College course, October 5, 2010

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STCali - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction (Paperback)

The book came to me in plenty of time and in the condition I expected.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, May 5, 2007

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Alan G. Hartman "Alan G. H." (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction (Paperback)

This text is an excellent resource on contemporary Italy. It is well organized and one of the best academic sources on Italian culture written in English today.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cultural discombobulation, May 1, 2008

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James R. Colwell - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction (Paperback)

This book makes no sense and jumps around from everywhere. If you do not have any background knowledge on cultural contemporary Italy this book will just be a confusing blur. I personally have, had to read this book for my class and understand the underlying meanings it has portrayed. The use of language and lack of translated words makes this book even more confusing. I could understand if you have a good background in this type of literature it would be a good read. This book just jumps around a bit too much one paragraph they are talking about Naples and then the next chapter, it talks about rivers and how Italy varies from North to South.