Intimacy in Postmodern Times: A Friendship with Zygmunt Bauman

Zygmunt Bauman and Peter Beilharz collaborated for thirty years, producing fifty-eight books on various topics. This book explores their relationship, charting the changes in academic life from the 1980s to today, and examining Bauman's rich yet contested legacy.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 07 September 2020
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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Zygmunt Bauman, a prominent social theorist of recent decades, has left an indelible mark on the field of social sciences. With an extensive bibliography of over fifty-eight books written in English on a diverse range of topics, Bauman's intellectual contributions have been profound. In this captivating book, Australian sociologist Peter Beilharz, who had collaborated with Bauman for thirty years, takes readers on a journey through their remarkable relationship. At the same time, he provides a insightful account of the transformative changes that have occurred in academic life since the 1980s.

One of the key factors that facilitated Bauman and Beilharz's intellectual collaboration was their deep friendship. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and geographical locations, their work together was characterized by a profound sense of intimacy. Bauman, who was a generation older than Beilharz, played a mentorship role, guiding and inspiring his younger colleague. The two worked together for a generation, sharing ideas, debating, and shaping the field of social theory.

This book delves into the intricacies of their relationship, offering a touching and personal account of their journey together. It explores the various stages of their collaboration, from their early meetings and intellectual exchanges to the later challenges and disagreements. Beilharz sheds light on Bauman's complex personality, his intellectual brilliance, and his unwavering commitment to social justice. He also discusses the challenges that Bauman faced in his later years, including his battle with cancer and his struggle to find a suitable publisher for his latest book.

Through their story, this book raises important questions about Bauman's legacy. While his ideas and theories have had a profound impact on social sciences, Bauman's work is also subject to intense scrutiny and debate. Beilharz explores the various interpretations of Bauman's work, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of his theories. He also discusses the impact of Bauman's ideas on contemporary society, particularly in the context of the globalized world and the rise of populism.

In conclusion, Zygmunt Bauman: An Intellectual Collaboration is a must-read for anyone interested in social theory, sociology, and the history of ideas. It offers a captivating account of Bauman and Beilharz's relationship, providing insights into the transformative power of intellectual collaboration and the enduring legacy of Zygmunt Bauman's ideas.

\n Weight: 410g\n
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526132154\n \n