Anthony Elliott Bücher

What is psychoanalytic criticism? What are the connections between psychoanalysis and contemporary theory? In this book written for newcomers and those already familiar with the discipline, Anthony Elliott offers a comprehensive survey of contemporary psychoanalysis, and explores its most important theoretical disputes.

Beginning with a brilliant reading of Albert Goldman's bestselling biography, he moves to the loneliness and pain of Lennon's childhood, developing a powerful analysis of songs such as "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "I Am the Walrus." From "Help" to "Mother" to "I'm Losing You," he contends that a consistent exploration of pain and loss in the wider emotional and political world is evident in the body of Lennon's works. Elliott explores the complex, contradictory role of love in Lennon's life, with a particular focus on the themes of guilt and grief, sexuality and desire. He gives careful attention to Lennon's personal relationships--from his marriage to Cynthia Powell to his extraordinary romance with Yoko Ono.

The book provides a comprehensive exploration of significant theoretical traditions, ranging from the Frankfurt School and feminism to posthumanism and globalization theory. It offers updated insights into these diverse frameworks, highlighting their evolution and interconnections. Through this examination, readers gain a deeper understanding of contemporary social theories and their implications for various fields of study.

This updated edition of Concepts of the Self serves as a lively and compelling introduction to contemporary debates surrounding self and self-identity in the social sciences. The author, a recognized figure in the field, focuses on the contributions of social theorists and cultural analysts who explore the self in relation to psychological processes, social contexts, and historical perspectives. Key figures discussed include Mead, Freud, Goffman, Foucault, Chodorow, Kristeva, Baudrillard, and the newly added Zizek. The book links discussions about the self to identity politics, personal relationships, and the politics of sexuality, while addressing cultural and political issues through interdisciplinary lenses. Elliott draws on contemporary social and cultural theory, exploring traditions such as symbolic interactionism, modern sociology, post-structuralism, feminist and queer theory, psychoanalysis, and postmodernism. Core concepts are reviewed through themes like the relationship between self and society, the interpreting self in social life, self-formation processes, and evolving identity politics. This edition also introduces contemporary insights on the globalization of the self, making it an invaluable resource for students in social and political theory, sociology, social psychology, cultural studies, and gender studies.