Semiotics: The Basics [Hardcover]

Daniel Chandler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415363764 | ISBN-13: 978-0415363761 | Publication Date: March 12, 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

• Hardcover: 328 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (March 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415363764
• ISBN-13: 978-0415363761
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,584,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent narrative; caveats to Kindle users, May 15, 2009

By 

Joel Kalvesmaki (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Semiotics: The Basics, Second Edition (Kindle Edition)

This introduction to semiotics is lucid and compelling. It provides the intelligent reader with a clear analysis of terminology, positions, and developments. Chandler focuses on structuralism, not on poststructuralism, but this is an asset, because it provides the background necessary to understand later thinkers. The other reviews explain well Chandler's strengths.

KINDLE USERS: Some aspects of the book are frustrating. Paragraphs are not indented, the table of contents is not formatted well, and navigation from one chapter to another is not as good as it might be. This book, like many others, shows how unnecessarily indebted the Kindle model is to the print version. Special terms are highlighted, rightly so, but there is no connection between the narrative and the glossary of terms that resides in the back. References are given in author-date format, but no hyperlink is there, to take you to the bibliography. The index retains the original page numbers, which could be helpful for someone writing a paper and getting documentation down. But entries with multiple references do not distinguish between the one or two very important passages and the remaining ancillary discussions. I found a few typographical errors.