Society of the Spectacle

Guy Debord

The Das Kapital of the 20th century. An essential text, and the main theoretical work of the situationists. Few works of political and cultural theory have been as enduringly provocative. From its publication amid the social upheavals of the 1960’s up to the present, the volatile theses of this book have decisively transformed debates on the shape of modernity, capitalism, and everyday life in the late 20th century. This is the original translation by Fredy Perlman, kept in print continuously for the last 30 years, keeping the flame alive when no-one else cared.

status checked out
genre Philosophy » General Philosophy
publisher Black & Red
publish date 1977
popularity checked out 0 time(s)

Reviews

  • By Riley Reasor -

    This is one of the denser more perspective altering books I read in 2020. Recommended to anyone interested in the media climate of the 21st century, the mechanics of capitalism, art, commodification and the failure to imagine a different future. Investigating the Situationists and understanding the successes and failures of what happened in France in 68 may also provide some clues to more effective strategies moving forward. An interesting idea I have encountered in further reading is that rather than subversion (detournement) and recuperation (reintigration by capital) maybe our desire is already formatted by Capitalism. Related Cinema : A Cat Without a Grin by Chris Marker

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