Situationist International Anthology [Paperback]

Ken Knabb (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0939682044 | ISBN-13: 978-0939682041 | Publication Date: March 1, 2007 | Edition: Revised & Expanded

In 1957, a few experimental European groups came together to form the Situationist International. The name came from their aim of liberating everyday life through the creation of open-ended, participatory "situations" (as opposed to fixed works of art). Over the next decade the situationists developed a critique of the global "spectacle-commodity system," and their new methods of agitation helped trigger the May 1968 revolt in France. Although the SI was dissolved in 1972, situationist theories and tactics have continued to inspire radical currents in dozens of countries all over the world. This is the most comprehensive collection of situationist writings in English, greatly revised and expanded, with over 100 pages of new material.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The accused have never denied the charge of misappropriating the funds of the Strasbourg Student Union. Indeed, they openly admit to having made the union pay nearly 5000 francs for the printing of 10,000 pamphlets, not to mention the cost of other literature inspired by the 'Situationist International.' These publications express aims and ideas which, to put it mildly, have nothing to do with the purpose of a student union. . . . Rejecting all morality and legal restraint, making sweeping denunciations of their fellow students, their professors, God, religion, the clergy, and the governments and political and social systems of the entire world, these cynics do not hesitate to advocate theft, the destruction of scholarship, the abolition of work, total subversion, and a permanent worldwide proletarian revolution with 'unrestrained pleasure' as its only goal." -- Judge Llabador, Strasbourg District Court 1966 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 500 pages
• Publisher: Bureau Of Public Secrets; Revised & Expanded edition (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939682044
• ISBN-13: 978-0939682041
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential, January 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Situationist International Anthology (Paperback)

If you're interested in the Situationist International & you don't speak/read French, you need this book! It's the absolute STANDARD-SETTING WORK for English translations of Situationist (and some Letterist International) texts. Absolutely essential.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must have for post-modernists, October 26, 2008

By 

Kevin P. Mccarthy "Art School Loser" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Situationist International Anthology (Paperback)

This is a great collection of essays and articles that shows the evolution and significance of Situationism. This expands on probably the only text of this school most widely read Society of the Spectacle which was so influential in left wing student movements as well as in the art and music world (Fluxus, punk/industrial, 80's appropriation, performance art and installation). Granted it is heavy reading, but SO worth it if you are seeking a more fleshed out understanding of Situationism and its significance even today.