Julia Kristeva: Live Theory

Description

This innovative introductory text clearly explains the most complex ideas of Julia Kristeva - one of the most influential critics and theorists of contemporary culture. Offering new insights into the central themes of her work it explains clearly such key concepts as the 'chora', 'Oedipus' and 'abjection', as well as 'revolt' and the 'feminine genius'. Kristeva's intellectual development is set in its historical and political context and the creative power of her work is highlighted. Finally, a new interview discusses Kristeva's intellectual and political aspirations. Offering a clear, comprehensive and stimulating account of the work and thought of this inspiring figure, Julia Kristeva: Live Theory is an invaluable guide for students of literature, philosophy, cultural studies and gender studies.

John Lechte is Professor of Sociology at Macquarie University, Sydney. He has published widely on French thought, particularly the work of Julia Kristeva. His most recent books are: Genealogy and Ontology of the Western Image and its Digital Future (2012) and he co-authored Agamben and the Politics of Human Rights: Statelessness, Images, Violence (2013). He has also published key essays on the thought of Georges Bataille, Julia Kristeva, Giorgio Agamben and Hannah Arendt, as well as on Derrida. Maria Margaroni lectures at the University of Cyprus.

'...sociologist John Lechte now successfully collaborates with cultural and literary theorist Maria Margaroni to reassess Kristeva's early work and to explore the new directions and socio-political concerns of her more recent work.' The European Legacy 11, (4): 2006 -- Charlotte Berkowitz 'Julia Kristeva: Live Theory is another fine contribution to Continuum's 'Live Theory' series....Lechte and Margaroni succeed in challenging the popular view that the only route into a theorist's work is through the theorist her/himself. This is because the volume they offer does an excellent job of simplifying - and consolidating - to a considerable extent many of Kristeva's often obscure and convoluted ideas. I found particularly sharp, cogent and regarding John Lechte's interview with Julia Kristeva....this is a remarkably exhilarating book, greater than the sum of its parts, producing an intense conversational space that will easily draw in the perceptive specialist reader.' Akinbola E. Akinwumi, Political Studies Review, 2006, 4 (3)