Leo Bersani: A Speculative Introduction

Leo Bersani's work has influenced literary criticism, queer theory, cultural studies, psychoanalytic theory, and film and visual studies for the past 60 years. Mikko Tuhkanen's book explores Bersani's engagement with various theories and provides a chronological overview of his thought, highlighting his contributions to critical theory.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 344 pages
\n Publication date: 12 November 2020
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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Leo Bersani has been a major figure in the fields of literary criticism, queer theory, cultural studies, psychoanalytic theory, and film and visual studies for the past 60 years. His extensive body of work has inspired, resisted, guided, and challenged scholars across these disciplines. In his book, Mikko Tuhkanen seeks to uncover the "fundamental notes" that resonate throughout Bersani's career, exploring his engagement with psychoanalytic theory (such as Freud, Laplanche, Klein, and Lacan), French and American modernist fiction (such as Proust, Baudelaire, Mallarmé, James, Beckett), poststructuralist theory (such as Derrida, Foucault, Deleuze, Guattari, Blanchot), queer theory (such as Butler and Edelman), and the visual arts (such as Caravaggio, Almodóvar, Pasolini, Malick, and Dumont).

The book provides a chronological overview of Bersani's thought and highlights his significant contributions to literary studies and critical theory. It offers a valuable entry point for those new to his work, as well as a deeper exploration for those familiar with his ideas. Through his meticulous analysis and insightful interpretations, Tuhkanen sheds light on the enduring themes and ideas that have shaped Bersani's intellectual legacy.

One of the key themes that emerges from the book is Bersani's profound interest in the relationship between literature, psychoanalysis, and cultural politics. He explores how literature can be used as a tool for understanding the unconscious processes that shape our lives and societies. Bersani also examines the ways in which psychoanalytic theory can be used to challenge dominant ideologies and power structures.

Another important aspect of Bersani's work is his exploration of the concept of "the homosexual imaginary." He argues that homosexuality is not a natural or biological phenomenon, but rather a cultural construct that is produced and reproduced through social and historical processes. Bersani explores the ways in which this imaginary has been used to marginalize and oppress LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as the ways in which they have resisted and challenged these representations.

The book also delves into Bersani's engagement with modernist fiction, particularly the works of Proust, Baudelaire, and James. He examines how these writers use language and narrative to explore the complexities of human experience, particularly the experiences of marginalization and alienation. Bersani also explores the ways in which these writers use visual imagery to convey their ideas and emotions.

In addition to his analysis of literature and psychoanalysis, Bersani also discusses his contributions to queer theory. He explores how queer theory can be used to challenge heteronormative assumptions and power structures, as well as to promote greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Bersani also discusses the ways in which queer theory can be used to analyze the relationship between gender, sexuality, and power.

The book also includes a discussion of Bersani's engagement with the visual arts, particularly the works of Caravaggio, Almodóvar, Pasolini, Malick, and Dumont. He examines how these artists use visual imagery to explore the complexities of human experience, particularly the experiences of violence, desire, and trauma. Bersani also explores the ways in which these artists use symbolism and metaphor to convey their ideas and emotions.

Overall, Mikko Tuhkanen's book provides a comprehensive and insightful introduction to Leo Bersani's work. It offers a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in literary criticism, queer theory, cultural studies, psychoanalytic theory, and film and visual studies. Through his meticulous analysis and insightful interpretations, Tuhkanen sheds light on the enduring themes and ideas that have shaped Bersani's intellectual legacy, and demonstrates the ways in which his work continues to be relevant and influential today.

\n Weight: 480g\n
Dimension: 146 x 216 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781623563592\n \n