Critical Theory and the Novel: Mass Society and Cultural Criticism in Dickens, Melville, and Kafka

by David Suchoff

Overview

In 1922, voters in the newly created Republic of Poland democratically elected their first president, Gabriel Narutowicz. Because his supporters included a Jewish political party, an opposing faction of antisemites demanded his resignation. Within hours, bloody riots erupted in Warsaw, and within a week the president was assassinated. In the wake of these events, the radical right asserted that only "ethnic Poles" should rule the country, while the left silently capitulated to this demand.

As Paul Brykczynski tells this gripping story, he explores the complex role of antisemitism, nationalism, and violence in Polish politics between the two World Wars. Though focusing on Poland, the book sheds light on the rise of the antisemitic right in Europe and beyond, and on the impact of violence on political culture and discourse.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780299140847
Publisher:	University of Wisconsin Press
Publication date:	04/15/1994
Series:	Writing
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

David Suchoff is assistant professor of English at Colby College.  He is the co-translator of, and author of the introduction to, Alain Finkielkraut’s The Imaginary Jew.

Editorial Reviews

A study of the historical origins of cultural criticism in the novel since the mid-19th century, using the critical theory of the Frankfurt School to declare the critical force of mass culture as crucial to the making of the modern novel. Discusses how mass audiences and politics presented problems to major novelists and how they responded in their writings and lives. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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