Culture and Art: Selected Writings, Volume 1

Zygmunt Bauman's work combines sociology and the arts, and this volume collects previously unpublished material from the Bauman Archive at the University of Leeds. It is of interest to students and scholars across the arts, humanities, and social sciences and to a wider readership.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

The sociological and artistic imaginations have a long and complex history of interconnection, characterized by both reciprocal and conflicting forces. These two realms of imagination have been integral to each other, complementing and tensioning one another in various ways. This connection is particularly evident in the work of Zygmunt Bauman, a renowned sociologist who infused his sociological theories with a literary and artistic sensibility.

Bauman's conception and practice of sociology were deeply influenced by his literary and artistic interests. He wrote extensively on the relationship between sociology and the arts, particularly focusing on sociology and literature. He often drew on the works of literary writers to explore and elucidate sociological problems, employing their insights to shed light on social phenomena. In addition, Bauman was an avid and passionate consumer and practitioner of art, particularly film and photography.

This volume, titled "Culture and Art," presents a collection of previously unknown or rare pieces by Bauman on the themes of culture and art. These pieces, which were previously housed in the Bauman Archive at the University of Leeds, have been brought together for the first time in this publication. A substantial introduction by the editors provides readers with a clear and concise guide through this material, highlighting the connections between these pieces and Bauman's other works.

The first volume in a series of books dedicated to making available the lesser-known writings of one of the most influential social thinkers of our time, "Culture and Art" will appeal to students and scholars across the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It will also interest a wider readership who are interested in exploring the interplay between culture, art, and society.

In conclusion, the sociological and artistic imaginations have a rich and intertwined history, and Zygmunt Bauman's work is a prime example of this connection. Through his extensive writings on the relationship between sociology and the arts, his use of literary writers to explore sociological problems, and his passion for art, Bauman demonstrated the profound ways in which these two realms of imagination can enrich our understanding of the world. This volume, "Culture and Art," offers a valuable glimpse into Bauman's lesser-known writings, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of his thought and contribution to the field of sociology.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 154 x 227 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509545452