Semiotics: The Basics [Paperback]

Daniel Chandler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415363756 | ISBN-13: 978-0415363754 | Publication Date: March 8, 2007 | Edition: 2

This updated second edition provides a clear and concise introduction to the key concepts of semiotics in accessible and jargon-free language. With a revised introduction and glossary, extended index and suggestions for further reading, this new edition provides an increased number of examples including computer and mobile phone technology, television commercials and the web.

Demystifying what is a complex, highly interdisciplinary field, key questions covered include:

• What is a sign?
• Which codes do we take for granted?
• How can semiotics be used in textual analysis?
• What is a text?

A highly useful, must-have resource, Semiotics: The Basics is the ideal introductory text for those studying this growing area.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A very useful book, not only for those who wish to find out about semiotics, but also for those interested in finding out how language or any other sign system is far from being a neutral means of communication.' - Juan A. Prieto-Pablos, University of Seville, Spain

'The book is well written and up-to-date, without unnecassary verbosity or jargon, and yet reflects the complexity of the field and its problems.' - Journal of Pragmatics 

'This an excellent basic introduction to the subject, with a good glossary, an index, and a list of further reading.' - www.mantex.co.uk

'Chandler's Semiotics: The Basics is an outstanding introduction to the field for students new to cultural studies. It is an ideal classroom text, and it covers a great deal of ground quickly while avoiding oversimplification or a specific and narrow agenda... There is no better introduction to semiotics anywhere.'  - Professor Gregory Eiselein, Kansas State University, USA

About the Author

Daniel Chandler is a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (March 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415363756
• ISBN-13: 978-0415363754
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introductory text on semiotics, December 1, 2007

By 

Parrhesiastes (Seoul, KR) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Semiotics: The Basics (Paperback)

I have read maybe a dozen books about semiotics and I must say this is the best yet. It is both easy to understand and surprisingly comprehensive given the topic. His book is so good that I bought the second edition of the book when it came out even though its available for free online. My sister is even using this book for as part of the required readings for a graduate level university course she is teaching and I know she isn't the only professor on the faculty to do so.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide for starters, January 12, 2008

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Semih (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Semiotics: The Basics (Paperback)

As intended, this is a very good summary of Semiotics and Structuralism. I discovered the book on the Web and decided that it is worth buying it in book format as an excellent reference to keep around. The book seems to contain more information and seems to have gone through some good editing. My only criticism is about its organization -- maybe Mr. Chandler could have thought of a more narrative organization where one concept gives way to the next, although I am very aware that the subject matter is very complex to control.

I firmly believe that these extremely important "diagnostic" and critical approaches of the 20th century will make (and, I think, are making) a come back. I am mostly interested in creation of contemporary dance and theatre and I read about semiotics and structuralism with a very pragmatic, worldly eye. In that respect, I believe that post-Barthes French thinkers diluted the issues towards pure speculation and inapplicable and frequently unintelligible brain gymnastics and denied their methodological aspects for use in linguistics, anthropolgy, film, etc. I have not been able to deduct practical benefits from the critical movements of the past 30 years either.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Semiotics Source Book, July 1, 2011

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Philip Vassallo "Philip Vassallo" (Parlin, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Semiotics: The Basics (Paperback)

This book is an exceptional primer on the study of signs, which was popularized by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure and American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce. To learn semiotics is to open a door to understanding human communication.