A Dictionary of Postmodernism

For many, postmodernism is notoriously resistant to definition. Even the most learned scholars might classify "postmodernism" as impossible to define.

In this A-Z guide, Professor Niall Lucy has resisted that urge, presenting an astute and comprehensive guide that offers rich points of entry-from pop culture to existentialism-into the subject's complexity. What emerges is an enduring and eclectic reference of key terms, figures, and texts associated with postmodernism, presented with a helpful and reader-friendly approach.

Through lively discussions of popular culture-literature, cinema, music, politics, television, and other fields-Professor Lucy makes postmodernism seem easy and accessible. And he counters the view that it is impenetrably if not willfully difficult to understand. Equally useful to scholars, students, and those with a lay interest in postmodernism, this accessible reference defines its terms through essays. Each entry-from art and music to capitalism, from Freud to Nietzsche-is viewed through an incisive postmodern lens. What would the postmodernist say about Ridley Scott's Bladerunner ... gender ... globalization ... music videos? By viewing contemporary events, themes, and objects in a postmodern context, Professor Lucy widens the appeal of this often-maligned field.