Myth of Popular Culture: From Dante to Dylan

Title: Myth of Popular Culture: From Dante to Dylan
Author: Meisel, Perry
ISBN: 9781405199346
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Published: 2010
Binding: Book
Language: English
Condition: Used: Near Fine
Excellent, unmarked copy with little wear and tight binding. We ship in recyclable American-made mailers. 100% money-back guarantee on all orders.

Social Science 1559699

Publisher Description:
The Myth of Popular Culture

In this fascinating examination of popular culture, esteemed cultural critic Perry Meisel shatters conventionally held notions about the division between "high" and "low" culture with the provocative theory that popular culture has sustained dialectical rhythms. Meisel's deft critical analysis of three enduring cultural traditions -- the American novel, Hollywood, and British and American rock music -- leads us to question the very concept of the division between "high" and "low" culture.

Meisel begins his engaging discussion by refuting philosopher Theodor Adorno's assertion that "high" culture is "dialectical" and "pop" is not, showing that popular culture does indeed have a conversation both with its sources and with cultural authority as a whole. In the final section, Meisel turns his attention to Bob Dylan, a figure who, more than any other, shows what it means to synthesize and revise all traditions -- music, poetry, iconography -- and transform them completely.

Brilliantly conceived and clearly articulated, The Myth of Popular Culture from Dante to Dylan redefines the way in which we think about all forms of artistic expression.