Beyond Human: Decentring the Anthropocene in Spanish Ecocriticism

Beyond Human is a book that explores key questions relating to ecological equity, justice, and responsibility within and beyond Spain in the Anthropocene. It critiques works from the Golden Age to the twenty-first century in a wide range of genres and argues that Spanish cultural studies must expose the material historicity that entangles todays ecological crises and ecosocial injustices with previous, future, and contemporary entities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Beyond Human is a groundbreaking work that delves into the rich tapestry of sixteenth-century Spain and extends its reach to the present day. With a bold objective to decentre the human and recognize the material historicity of more-than-human nature, this book embarks on a captivating exploration of critical issues related to ecological equity, justice, and responsibility within and beyond Spain in the Anthropocene era.

The authors of this volume, Maryanne L. Leone, Shanna Lino, and a diverse group of contributors, skillfully examine the intricate connections between Iberian cultural practices, historical developments, and ecological processes. Through their insightful analysis, they unveil the structures that perpetuate and challenge the binary of non-human and human, as well as the divide between nature and culture. The book employs a wide range of genres, spanning from the Golden Age to the twenty-first century, including comedia, royal treatises, agricultural reports, paintings, satirical essays, horror fiction, film, young adult and speculative literature, poetry, graphic novels, and television series.

The authors argue forcefully that Spanish cultural studies must expose the material historicity that intertwines today's ecological crises and ecosocial injustices with past, present, and future entities. To achieve this, they propose a simultaneous decentring of the human and of the Anthropocene as an ecocritical framework. By standardizing ecosocial analysis and broadening avenues for ecopedagogical approaches, Beyond Human actively contributes to the ecocentric transformation of Hispanic cultural studies.

Through its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, Beyond Human offers a profound understanding of the complex interplay between human societies. It sheds light on the historical roots of ecological challenges and highlights the urgent need for transformative action. By acknowledging the agency and significance of more-than-human nature, this book empowers readers to reimagine their relationship with the natural world and embrace a more sustainable and equitable future.

In conclusion, Beyond Human is a groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of cultural studies and ecological inquiry. It challenges us to expand our perspectives and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings on Earth. By exploring the material historicity of more-than-human nature, this book provides valuable insights into the complexities of ecological equity, justice, and responsibility. It serves as a call to action, urging us to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to our relationship with the planet and its diverse inhabitants.

Weight: 878g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487548322