Judith Butler: Live Theory

Description

An introductory guide to the work of Judith Butler, a major contemporary theorist, this title includes a new interview with Butler. Judith Butler: Live Theory is an invaluable introduction to the work of this key contemporary theorist, guiding the student through the most complex ideas of one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary culture. Concise, accessible and comprehensive, the book explores and illuminates Butler's important and ongoing contributions to gender theory, offers new insights into the central themes of her work, and considers the extent of her impact on how the discipline of gender studies has been shaped. In particular, the book considers Butler's intellectual work in relation to issues of sexuality and performance, identity and politics, language and power - themes central to Butler's thought and writing. Vicki Kirby locates Butler in the context of contemporary theorists and thinkers and the book includes a new interview with Butler herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work as well as future writing plans. Offering a stimulating and clear account of the work and thought of this inspiring figure, Judith Butler: Live Theory is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker within the context of sociology, cultural studies, literary criticism, feminism and philosophy.

Vicki Kirby is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of New South Wales, Australia.

"A useful work for anyone interested in the impact of feminist thought in the broad domain of cultural theory today. We could hardly find a more generous and thorough introduction to the complexities and impact of Butler's thoughts ... the most exciting chapter of Kirby's admirable guide through Butler's work is her concluding interview with this living theorist herself ... This book provides an excellent resource for those wishing to stay in touch with this pioneering thinker" L. Segal, Culture, Health and Sexuality, January 2008 -- L. Segal "Vicki Kirby's intimate exegesis of Judith Butler's oeuvre is an appropriate place to illustrate the disquiet with cultural analyses outlined by emerging material feminism." -Myra J. Hird, Feminist Studies, Vol. 35, Summer 2009 'Vicki Kirby's presentation of Butler is, like Butler's own critical reading, thoughtful and rigorous, generous yet insubordinate. The level of scholarship here is superior: our author glides skillfully from Hegel to Lacan, Freud to Derrida, Althusser to Foucault, in order to capture the sense and flow of Butler's own arguments. In a slim volume, she succeeds in treating a wealth of complex material ... Kirby cuts quickly to the crux of Butler's most interesting arguments and then unpacks them with care'. Karen Kachra, Toronto, Canada. -- Karen Kachra * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *