Louis Althusser [Paperback]

Best known for his theories of ideology and its impact on politics and culture, Louis Althusser revolutionized Marxist theory. His writing changed the face of literary and cultural studies, and continues to influence political modes of criticism such as feminism, postcolonialism and queer theory. Beginning with an introduction to the context of Marxist theory, this book goes on to explain:

* how Althusser interpreted and developed Marxs work

* the political implications of reading

* ideology and its significance for culture and criticism

* Althussers aesthetic criticism of literature, theatre and art.

Placing Althussers key ideas in the context of earlier Marxist thought, as well as tracing their development and impact, Luke Ferretter presents a wide-ranging yet accessible guide, ideal for those new to the work of this influential critical thinker.

Acknowledgements  Why Althusser?  Key Ideas  1. The Cornerstones: Marx and the Theory of Culture  2. The Revolution in Theory: Althussers Marxism  3. The Politics of Reading: Essays on Interpretation  4. The Politics of Culture: Essays on Ideology  5. Materialist Aesthetics: Essays on Literature and Art  6. Posthumous Confessions: The Future Lasts a Long Time  After Althusser  Further Reading  Works Cited