Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction [Paperback]

David Forgacs (Editor), Robert Lumley (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198715099 | ISBN-13: 978-0198715092 | Publication Date: December 12, 1996

This illustrated introduction to the study of modern Italian culture brings together specialists in the fields of language; politics; religious, ethnic, and gender identities; the mass media; cultural policy; and movie stars. In four thematic sections, the contributors elucidate their own slice of Italian culture. 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 by 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. The book includes guidance for further reading and a chronology of political and cultural events since 1900.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...for those unfamiliar with contemporary Italy, this is a lucid and lively introduction."--American Journal of Sociology

"An excellent and timely collection of articles that deserves a wide readership among Italianists and their students."--Steven Botterill, University of California

About the Author

David D. Forgacs is a Fellow of Gonville and Caius and University Lecturer in Italian at Cambridge University.
Robert R. Lumley is Lecturer in Italian Studies at University College, London

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198715099
• ISBN-13: 978-0198715092
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #264,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Italian

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

By 

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.