Revenge: A Short Enquiry into Retribution - Hardcover

Fineman, Stephen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780238401 ISBN 13: 9781780238401

Publisher: Reaktion Books, 2017

Synopsis

Revenge is a primal force at the heart of conflict and justice—as ancient as humanity itself. It can be found in nearly all societies and, culturally, we are fascinated by it—as countless novels, dramas, films, and computer games attest. “Getting even” can restore the balance of relationships and bring order. It can fill the vacuum left by imperfect or unjust justice systems. It can rescue people trapped in oppressive conditions. But revenge can also get out of control; spirals of revenge are notoriously destructive and impervious to appeals for peace and forgiveness.

In this bold new book, Stephen Fineman lifts the lid on revenge, exposing its intriguing contours in arenas as diverse as the workplace, intimate relationships, the search for societal justice, war, and politics. He explores the psychology and experience of revenge and touches on more recent manifestations, like cyber-stalking and revenge pornography, in order to ask important questions: How best can we prevent the most damaging effects of revenge? When should retribution be tolerated, or even celebrated?  If we are all potential avengers, what does that say about us?

In an age when digital media has created a new generation of armchair avengers, settling real or imaginary scores and starting-up new ones, Revenge is more than timely. Thoughtful and critical, Revenge tackles one of society’s oldest and greatest vices.
 

About this title

About the Author

Stephen Fineman is professor emeritus in the School of Management at the University of Bath, UK. He is the author or editor of many books, including, most recently, Organizing Age and Work: A Very Short Introduction. 

Review

"Fineman’s brief, questioning book is both a history and, by and large, a justification of revenge. It is, he argues, a primal human urge. . . . This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book. It shows that blanket condemnations of revenge are over-hasty, and it leaves you feeling that what we call justice is not so much the opposite of revenge as a way of legalizing it." (Sunday Times)

“A compelling and relevant book, examining how revenge is not only affecting the world around us, but is remaking history, too.” (Niki Panteli, Royal Holloway, University of London)

"In this highly entertaining and illuminating book, Fineman reveals how this powerful human urge to get our own back plays out in a wide range of settings—from the family and the workplace to within communities and between nations. Through the careful and nuanced analysis of historical and contemporary examples he shows how both revenge and forgiveness are not as straightforward as often depicted. Don’t get mad, get Fineman’s book." (Rob B. Briner, Queen Mary University of London)

Edition details

• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1780238401
• ISBN 13: 9781780238401
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224