Walter Benjamin and the Media: The Spectacle of Modernity [Hardcover]

Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), one of the most original and perceptive thinkers of the twentieth century, offered a unique insight into the profound impact of the media on modern society. Jaeho Kangs book offers a lucid introduction to Benjamins theory of the media and its continuing relevance today.

The book provides a systematic and close reading of Benjamins critical and provocative writings on the intersection between media - from print to electronic - and modern experience, with reference to the information industry, the urban spectacle, and the aesthetic politics. Bringing Benjamins thought into a critical constellation with contemporary media theorists such as Marshall McLuhan and Jean Baudrillard, the book helps students understand the implications of Benjamins work for media studies today and how they can apply his distinctive ideas to contemporary media culture.

Kangs book leads to a fresh appreciation of Benjamins work and new insight into critical theoretical approaches to media. The book will be of particular interest to students and researchers not only in media and communication studies but also in cultural studies, film studies and social theory, who are seeking a readable overview of Benjamins rich yet complex writings.

Abbreviations ix

Acknowledgements xi

1 Introducing Dr Benjamin 1

There and Then, Here and Now 1

Figuring Benjamin 5

Configuring Benjamin 15

2 The Crisis of Communication and the Information Industry 24

Introduction 24

Storytelling and the Crisis of the Novel 26

The Newspaper and the Information Industry 38

The Intellectuals in the Age of Mass Media 50

Conclusion 62

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