What do Bono, Seinfeld and Apple have in common? Nothing. However, it's the nothing of Samuel Beckett, which is something. Bold and provocative, Beckett's works and even his image are a potent force in modern society. Shoes, marketing, baby names-all fall under his spell.
Exploring Beckett's ""art of failure"" as a highly successful marketing scheme, this collection of essays finds him incorporated into virtually all aspects of popular culture-television, popular fiction, movies, tattoos, even sports-in a manner that seemingly defies cataloging. Is it image-making or image-taking? Why is our culture so obsessed with an obscure Irish writer most haven't read? Each essay provides a unique appraisal of Beckett's branding.
What do Bono, Seinfeld and Apple have in common? Nothing. However, it's the nothing of Samuel Beckett, which is something. Bold and provocative, Beckett's works and even his image are a potent force in modern society. Shoes, marketing, baby names-all fall under his spell.
Exploring Beckett's ""art of failure"" as a highly successful marketing scheme, this collection of essays finds him incorporated into virtually all aspects of popular culture-television, popular fiction, movies, tattoos, even sports-in a manner that seemingly defies cataloging. Is it image-making or image-taking? Why is our culture so obsessed with an obscure Irish writer most haven't read? Each essay provides a unique appraisal of Beckett's branding.
P.J. Murphy teaches modern Irish literature and critical theory at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. Nick Pawliuk lectures in the English and Modern Languages department at Thompson Rivers University, specializing in popular culture with a focus on the graphic novel and speculative fiction.
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
