"Critical theory is no substitute for historical materialism; language is not life." With this statement, Bryan Palmer enters the debate that is now transforming and disrupting a number of academic disciplines, including political science, women’s studies, and history. Focusing on the ways in which literary or critical theory is being promoted within the field of social history, he argues forcefully that the current reliance on poststructuralism—with its reification of discourse and avoidance of the structures of oppression and struggles of resistance—obscures the origins, meanings, and consequences of historical events and processes.
Palmer is concerned with the emergence of "language" as a central focus of intellectual work in the twentieth century. He locates the implosion of theory that moved structuralism in the direction of poststructuralism and deconstruction in what he calls the descent into discourse. Few historians who champion poststructuralist thought, according to Palmer, appreciate historical materialism’s capacity to address discourse meaningfully. Nor do many of the advocates of language within the field of social history have an adequate grounding in the theoretical making of the project they champion so ardently. Palmer roots his polemical challenge in an effort to "introduce historians more fully to the theoretical writing that many are alluding to and drawing from rather cavalierly."
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Arguing that the current reliance on poststructuralism obscures the origins, meanings, and consequences of historical events and processes
Bryan D. Palmer is Professor of History at Queen's University, Ontario.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
US$ 4.00
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Reprint. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 14085404-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: USED_GOOD. Reprint. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 14085404-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: TotalitarianMedia, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Descent Into Discourse: The Reification of Language and the Writing of Social History. Palmer, Bryan. Temple University Press, 1990. 289p. trade paperback, covers bumped/scuffed, binding tight, text clean/unmarked-- ISBN 10: 0877227209ISBN 13: 9780877227205--5.00. Seller Inventory # ABE-1645831710990
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: HPB-Red, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_389252109
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Atlantic Bookshop, Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. 8vo, card covers, xvii, 291pp. VG: clean, sound, and presentable, with a sunned spine. Seller Inventory # ATLBDPDiDRLWSH
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Michener & Rutledge Booksellers, Inc., Baldwin City, KS, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Light wear and sunning to covers, owner info to front fly-leaf, otherwise text clean and solid; Critical Perspectives On The P; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 245 pages. Seller Inventory # 247139
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: NightsendBooks, Concord, CA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This copy is NEAR FINE; the text is clear, bright, and unmarked; binding is tight, but edges show some shelfwear. The covers are also near fine; absolutely intact, including color and design, but slightly bumped at front corners. We have a five star rating because of our fulfilment success and because our descriptions are accurate. We guarantee: NO NASTY SURPRISES. Seller Inventory # 770214
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Brentwood Books, Kinnelon, NJ, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: VERY GOOD. Almost like new. Softcover published in 1990 by Temple Univ Press. Slightest cover wear, X'd out price on first page won't quite erase no other marks or writing. **We provide professional service and individual attention to your order, daily shipments, and sturdy packaging. FREE TRACKING ON ALL SHIPMENTS WITHIN USA. Seller Inventory # 54274
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Good condition. This is the average used book, that has all pages or leaves present, but may include writing. Book may be ex-library with stamps and stickers. 1.02. Seller Inventory # 353-0877227209-gdd
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: GoldenDragon, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: very good. Very Good Copy. Fast Shipment. Seller Inventory # SilverDragon0877227209
Quantity: 1 available