The London Object: Writing London at the End of Capitalism

Today, we have reached the end of capitalism because it has taken over the urban environment. This strain of capitalism has been anticipated, critiqued, and resisted by a group of London writers who have explored the politics of reconnection to the real and produced works that offer an alternative to modernity and capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

We are now at the end of capitalism, according to Étienne Balibar, not because it has run its course or been overcome by an unstoppable force, but rather because the purest form of capitalism possible has emerged. This strain of capitalism has not only taken over urban spaces but has become the defining characteristic of urban environments. Taking this idea seriously, works by authors such as Michael Moorcock, Iain Sinclair, Penelope Lively, Peter Ackroyd, and J.G. Ballard are seen as representative of a loosely allied group of London writers who have anticipated, critiqued, and proposed various avenues of resistance to the harmful effects of this most vigorous strain of capitalism.

These writers approach the city by exploring a politics of reconnection to the real, which disrupts the epistemological and ontological foundations upon which modernity and capitalism rest. By highlighting the materiality of the urban environment, they demonstrate how it profoundly shapes individuals' beings and thoughts. When these works are read together, they provide the coordinates for an alternative modernity that could potentially lead to the ultimate conclusion of capitalism.

It is important to note that this altermodernity is not a utopian vision but rather a recognition of the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary society. It acknowledges the limitations and contradictions of capitalism while also seeking to find new ways of organizing and governing that are more equitable and sustainable. This requires a collective effort, as well as a willingness to challenge the dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate capitalism's dominance.

In conclusion, Étienne Balibar's assertion that we are at the end of capitalism is not a fatalistic conclusion but rather an opportunity to reimagine and transform our economic and social systems. By embracing a politics of reconnection to the real and by recognizing the profound influence of the urban environment on individuals' lives, we can work towards creating a more just and sustainable world.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032006178