Ideology - An Introduction

Overview

Ideology has never been se much in evidence as a fact and so little understood as a concept as it is today. In this now classic work, originally written for both newcomers to the topic and those already familiar with the debate, Terry Eagleton unravels the many different definitions of ideology, and explores the concept’s tortuous history from the Englightenment to postmodernism.

The book provides lucid interpretations of the thought of key Marxist thinkers, as well as of Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Freud and the various post-structuralists. Now updated in the light of current theoretical debates, this essential text by one of our most important contemporary critics clarifies a notoriously confused subject.

“An impressive, daunting work…a considerable accomplishment.” – San Francisco Review of Books
 

“Witty, lucid and powered by that stinging, militant, ironising intelligence which distinguishes Eagleton’s work.” – Guardian
 

“Eagleton is a combative fiercely articulate and witty Marxist literary critic.” – The Nation
 

“Excellent and engaging…Eagleton is informative, witty and wise.” – Times Higher Education Supplement

Terry Eagleton is Professor of Cultural Theory and John Rylands Fellow, Universityof M anchester. Previous books published by Verso include Figures of Dissent, The Function of Criticism and Criticism and Ideology.