Marxism and Literature
224
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1977
Adult
18+ years
1440L
Marxism and Literature by Raymond Williams, first published in 1977 by Oxford University Press, critiques traditional Marxist principles and literary theories while introducing the concept of cultural materialism. Williams addresses issues within Marxist critiques of arts, culture, and language, emphasizing their dynamic, non-static nature, and argues for integrating cultural and literary theories to reimagine Marxism.
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Raymond Williams' Marxism and Literature is praised for its comprehensive analysis of the intersection between Marxist theory and literary studies. Critics laud its theoretical depth and innovative approach to cultural materialism. However, some find the dense prose challenging and its academic rigor potentially inaccessible to general readers. Overall, it's a seminal text in literary theory. Marxism and Literature. Oxford UP, 1977.
Readers of Raymond Williams’s Marxism and Literature are likely academics, students, and intellectuals interested in Marxist theory and cultural studies. Comparable to those who appreciate Louis Althusser’s Reading Capital or Terry Eagleton’s Literary Theory, they seek a deep understanding of the intersection between ideology, literature, and culture.
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Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Marxism and Literature is a significant work by Raymond Williams that synthesizes linguistic, cultural, and sociopolitical analysis to explore the intersection of art and society.
Raymond Williams, a founding figure in the field of cultural studies, challenges traditional Marxist views by emphasizing the role of cultural and ideological factors in shaping social realities, which he notably explores in this work.
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The book is known for introducing the concept of "structures of feeling," which refers to the ways in which particular societies and time periods express unique lived experiences and emotions.
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224
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1977
Adult
18+ years
1440L
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