The Gamefulness of American Postmodernism: John Barth and Louise Erdrich Contributor(s): Rudnick, Hans H. (Editor), Scott, Steven D. (Author) |
|||
ISBN: 0820438944 ISBN-13: 9780820438948 Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publi
Binding Type: Hardcover Published: September 2000 Click for more in this series: Counterpoints |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Literary Criticism | American - General |
Dewey: 813.540 |
LCCN: 99043009 |
Series: Counterpoints |
Physical Information: 176 pages |
Review Citations: Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2000 pg. 180 |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: This book examines the twin problems of play and game in American literary postmodernism. There have been many studies of the function of play in postmodernism, but very few have discussed the role of game without conflating play and game. This study claims that play is an important consideration in any discussion of the postmodern (as it is in any discussion of literature), but game is also useful because of its structuring influence. Game provides limits, boundaries, and borders to play, thereby both limiting and, paradoxically, enabling meaningful play. This study does not claim that literature is a game in the strong sense, it chooses instead to concentrate on the gamelike shape - the gamefulness - that literary postmodernism assumes. After theoretical chapters that discuss postmodernism, play, and game, this study moves to critical discussions of the work of two prominent contemporary American authors, John Barth and Louise Erdrich. |
Customer ReviewsSubmit your own review |
To tell a friend about this book, you must Sign In First! |