Ian Taylor – författare
Visar alla böcker från författaren . Handla med fri frakt och snabb leverans.
179 produkter
179 produkter
Häftad, Engelska, 2025
170 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
We think of time as scarce and finite. We say we 'don't have enough time', that 'time is against us', and that 'time waits for no one'. But what if we could make time feel more abundant? How can we make time work for rather than against us?In Time Hacks, Dr Ian Taylor - a world-leading expert in the science of the human mind - draws on the latest psychological research to reveal how we can develop a healthier relationship to time; one where we can break free of the cycle of boredom and mania, be more productive, and bring balance to all parts of our lives.In the process, he demonstrates why all difficult tasks should be done early in the morning, the detrimental effects of relying on willpower, why we should use 'be' goals to sustain motivation, and how to replace 'dead time' with activities that nourish the soul.Fascinating and eye-opening, Time Hacks will show you how to use the power of psychology to feel less time pressured, boost your mental and physical health, and break free from the tyranny of your alarm clock.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2018115 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
Africa is a continent of 54 countries and over a billion people. However, despite the rich diversity of the African experience, it is striking that continuations and themes seem to be reflected across the continent, particularly south of the Sahara. Questions of underdevelopment, outside exploitation, and misrule are characteristic of many - if not most-states in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Taylor explores how politics is practiced on the African continent, considering the nature of the state in Sub-Saharan Africa and why its state structures are generally weaker than elsewhere in the world. Exploring the historical and contemporary factors which account for Africa''s underdevelopment, he also analyses why some African countries suffer from high levels of political violence while others are spared. Unveilling the ways in which African state and society actually function beyond the formal institutional façade, Taylor discusses how external factors - both inherited and contemporary - act upon the continent.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
E-bok
Engelska, 2018119 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
Africa is a continent of 54 countries and over a billion people. However, despite the rich diversity of the African experience, it is striking that continuations and themes seem to be reflected across the continent, particularly south of the Sahara. Questions of underdevelopment, outside exploitation, and misrule are characteristic of many - if not most-states in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Taylor explores how politics is practiced on the African continent, considering the nature of the state in Sub-Saharan Africa and why its state structures are generally weaker than elsewhere in the world. Exploring the historical and contemporary factors which account for Africa''s underdevelopment, he also analyses why some African countries suffer from high levels of political violence while others are spared. Unveilling the ways in which African state and society actually function beyond the formal institutional façade, Taylor discusses how external factors - both inherited and contemporary - act upon the continent.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Häftad, Engelska, 2018
110 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
Africa is a continent of 54 countries and over a billion people. However, despite the rich diversity of the African experience, it is striking that continuations and themes seem to be reflected across the continent, particularly south of the Sahara. Questions of underdevelopment, outside exploitation, and misrule are characteristic of many - if not most-states in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Taylor explores how politics is practiced on the African continent, considering the nature of the state in Sub-Saharan Africa and why its state structures are generally weaker than elsewhere in the world. Exploring the historical and contemporary factors which account for Africa's underdevelopment, he also analyses why some African countries suffer from high levels of political violence while others are spared. Unveilling the ways in which African state and society actually function beyond the formal institutional façade, Taylor discusses how external factors - both inherited and contemporary - act upon the continent.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2001
1 049 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
South Africa's post-apartheid foreign policy has been a bundle of contradictions and ambiguities. The accession by leading fractions of the African National Congress to the ongoing discourse of neo-liberalism has led to the policy making elite playing to two distinct audiences: its Leftist-inclined constituency within the Government of National Unity and externally oriented domestic and international capital. This second audience is increasingly integrating the GNU elite into a group which more and more reflects the concerns, aspirations, and demands of a transnational class elite. This move mirrors South Africa's ongoing incorporation into the international political economy as a global middle-power, a bridgebuilder between the global hegemons and those reluctant to follow their lead.Taylor's fundamental theoretical approach that underpins the study--namely a neo-gramscian interpretation of the global political economy and the importance of middle powers--sets it apart from other studies of contemporary South African foriegn policy making. He also provides a useful source for Africanists and South Africa specialists in particular. This is partly because of the accessible style of presentation. But it is also because he has chosen case studies of interaction with multilateral groupings and organizations. This approach marks the volume out as being different from the normal assessment of South African foreign policy--particularly the specific multilateral agencies that he has chosen to focus on.
E-bok
Engelska, 202544 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
We think of time as scarce and finite. We say we ''don''t have enough time'', that ''time is against us'', and that ''time waits for no one''. But what if we could make time feel more abundant? How can we make time work for rather than against us?In Time Hacks, Dr Ian Taylor - a world-leading expert in the science of the human mind - draws on the latest psychological research to reveal how we can develop a healthier relationship to time; one where we can break free of the cycle of boredom and mania, be more productive, and bring balance to all parts of our lives.In the process, he demonstrates why all difficult tasks should be done early in the morning, the detrimental effects of relying on willpower, why we should use ''be'' goals to sustain motivation, and how to replace ''dead time'' with activities that nourish the soul.Fascinating and eye-opening, Time Hacks will show you how to use the power of psychology to feel less time pressured, boost your mental and physical health, and break free from the tyranny of your alarm clock.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2019
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
At the end of the twentieth century, the bookstores are full of books on crime, though this title will certainly not find a place on the same shelves. In the massive Waterstones bookstore in the city of Manchester, England, where I lived through most of the 1990s, the ground floor display area was rearranged in 1995 so as to accommodate, right at the front of the store, several hundred new titles, on topics like Serial Murderers and Sexual Crimes of the Twentieth Century.l Several of these new books are companion volumes to movies on release in the city's cinemas or, in some instances, are simply the original text on which the movies are based. The movies in question - Shallow Grave, Silence of the Lambs, Reservoir Dogs, Natural Born Killers and others - focus heavily on interpersonal violence and murder and also place great emphasis in the manner of many earlier cinematic genres - on the idea of the 'criminal mind' (not least, as a way of dramatizing the detection of the originating criminal act) but also - to a significant extent, these are movies which emphasize the idea and contemporary social presence of evil. Similar moral and psychologistic preoccupations are now also widely apparent on primetime television - most notably, in Britain, in the extraordinarily powerful Cracker series, produced by Granada Television in 1994 and 1995, watched by over 15 million people, and featuring, inter alia, the forensic investigation' of serial and sexual murders, some of them extremely graphically displayed (Crace 1994).2 The prominence of 'Gothic' themes in movies about violent death is not new in itself: there is a long history of interest in the cinema in horror and, indeed, in 'transgression' and evil. What may be definitive about the present genre of movies as well as the range of fictional and non-fictional titles in the bookstores about crime is the overwhelming focus on murder and killing represented in very contemporary and mundane, ordinary and, indeed, 'respectable' settings, and the powerful suggestion that these movies are a representation of the risks and dangers involved in everyday life at the end of the twentieth century. The bookstore display in Waterstones is straightforwardly called the 'Real Crimes' section.
Häftad, Engelska, 2021
668 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book aims to explore one of the most obvious areas of discontent in post-Fordist societies, the ever-intrusive fear and reality of crime. It provides an analysis that explains the varieties of actually occurring behaviours which certainly are very firmly defined by their victims as crime.
Häftad, Engelska, 2021
664 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The ability to effectively use one’s thoughts, emotions and motivation to enhance performance and well-being is one of the most important skills in sport and exercise contexts. Motivation and Self-Regulation in Sport and Exercise explores the theories, research and processes that underpin these self-regulatory and motivational processes. A deeper understanding of motivation and self-regulation has far-reaching implications, from helping individuals to begin an active lifestyle, to seasoned athletes looking for a competitive edge. For the first time, the globally leading researchers in this research field come together to provide their unique, cutting-edge insight into how to exercise or perform more effectively. In doing so, the book provides new insight into established theories of motivation and self-regulation, but also breaks new ground by inspecting lesser-known or emerging paradigms. This book is intended for all scholars interested in self-regulation and motivation, from undergraduate students to experienced researchers, as well as practicing sport and exercise psychologists, coaches and athletes.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2021
2 573 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The ability to effectively use one’s thoughts, emotions and motivation to enhance performance and well-being is one of the most important skills in sport and exercise contexts. Motivation and Self-Regulation in Sport and Exercise explores the theories, research and processes that underpin these self-regulatory and motivational processes. A deeper understanding of motivation and self-regulation has far-reaching implications, from helping individuals to begin an active lifestyle, to seasoned athletes looking for a competitive edge. For the first time, the globally leading researchers in this research field come together to provide their unique, cutting-edge insight into how to exercise or perform more effectively. In doing so, the book provides new insight into established theories of motivation and self-regulation, but also breaks new ground by inspecting lesser-known or emerging paradigms. This book is intended for all scholars interested in self-regulation and motivation, from undergraduate students to experienced researchers, as well as practicing sport and exercise psychologists, coaches and athletes.
Häftad, Engelska, 2019
668 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Although China has rapidly increased foreign aid to Africa and is now a relatively major player in the developmental assistance regime, little is still known regarding how China delivers its foreign aid, and even less about how this foreign aid actually works in the recipient countries. This book, extensively utilising Chinese sources, much of which have not been available before, examines the effectiveness and sustainability of China's foreign aid in Africa, as well as the political, economic and diplomatic factors that influence Chinese aid disbursement policies. The book argues that a nebulous notion of "friendship", however ill-defined, is a key factor in Chinese aid, something which is often overlooked by Western scholars. Through a detailed examination of both the decision-making process in Chinese aid disbursements, as well as an examination of specific case studies in West Africa, this book improves our understanding of China's foreign aid policies towards Africa. It finds that there are profound shortcomings in China's foreign aid at present which, despite the protestations of "friendship" and solidarity, undermine Beijing’s effectiveness as an actor in the developmental assistance enterprise in Africa. This text will be of key interest to scholars and students of development studies, African studies, China-Africa relations and more broadly to international relations.
Inbunden, Engelska, 1993
2 959 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Britain is no longer the sole organizing centre for cultural studies. The contributors to this volume demonstrate how cultural studies has diffused into other English-speaking countries and how its original concerns have been renegotiated and changed. The result is a landmark book which provides students with an unrivalled guide to the international phenomenon of cultural studies.
Inbunden, Engelska, 1998
2 959 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The New European Criminology gathers together leading criminologists from all over Europe to consider crime and responses to crime within and across national borders. For the first time it allows students to experience the most exciting work in European criminology and to compare approaches to crime in different parts of Europe.The five sections of the book look at:* the effects of European harmonisation on crime* criminal justice, law enforcement and penal reform* organised crime, from the Mafia in Italy to drug running in the Balkans* local crime in international contexts* possible future directions for criminology and some suggestions for a new criminology of war.
Häftad, Engelska, 1998
822 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The New European Criminology gathers together leading criminologists from all over Europe to consider crime and responses to crime within and across national borders. For the first time it allows students to experience the most exciting work in European criminology and to compare approaches to crime in different parts of Europe.The five sections of the book look at:* the effects of European harmonisation on crime* criminal justice, law enforcement and penal reform* organised crime, from the Mafia in Italy to drug running in the Balkans* local crime in international contexts* possible future directions for criminology and some suggestions for a new criminology of war.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2004
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Locating Africa on the global stage, this book examines and compares external involvement in the continent, exploring the foreign policies of major states and international organizations towards Africa. The contributors work within a political economy framework in order to study how these powers have attempted to stimulate democracy, peace and prosperity in the context of neo-liberal hegemony and ask whom these attempts have benefited and failed.
Häftad, Engelska, 2004
794 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Locating Africa on the global stage, this book examines and compares external involvement in the continent, exploring the foreign policies of major states and international organizations towards Africa. The contributors work within a political economy framework in order to study how these powers have attempted to stimulate democracy, peace and prosperity in the context of neo-liberal hegemony and ask whom these attempts have benefited and failed.
Häftad, Engelska, 2007
625 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Ian Taylor and Karen Smith present a much-needed and full examination of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), covering its history and current activities. All the key areas are covered by accessibly written chapters, including:an overview of UNCTAD: what it is, why it was formed and why it is importanthow the organization operates today: what it does and how it does it key criticisms made against the organization: is it relevant in today’s world? emerging issues within the organization and its future direction.In the current era of globalization and what appears to be the dominance of neo-liberal economic thought, UNCTAD has sought to make itself germane to ongoing international debates. The implications of this for the organization’s key remit, namely making the world a fairer place, are something that this book unpacks.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2007
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Ian Taylor and Karen Smith present a much-needed and full examination of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), covering its history and current activities. All the key areas are covered by accessibly written chapters, including:an overview of UNCTAD: what it is, why it was formed and why it is importanthow the organization operates today: what it does and how it does it key criticisms made against the organization: is it relevant in today’s world? emerging issues within the organization and its future direction.In the current era of globalization and what appears to be the dominance of neo-liberal economic thought, UNCTAD has sought to make itself germane to ongoing international debates. The implications of this for the organization’s key remit, namely making the world a fairer place, are something that this book unpacks.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2006
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
With China’s rise to the status of world power, trade and political links between Africa and China have been escalating at an astonishing rate. Sino-African relations are set to become an increasingly significant feature of world politics as China’s hunger for energy resources grows and many African countries seek a partner that, unlike the West, does not worry about democracy and transparency, or impose political conditions on economic relations. Ian Taylor, one of the foremost authorities on the international relations and political economy of Africa, provides a comprehensive assessment of relations between China and Africa. He discusses the historical evolution of Sino-African relations in the period since the 1949 revolution, with particular emphasis on the period since the end of the Cultural Revolution. Considering in detail China’s relations with Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Malawi, Taylor demonstrates how China has used the rhetoric of anti-hegemonies to secure and promote its position in the Third World.Taylor gives an engaging account of the hitherto under-researched topic of relations between China and Africa, a phenomenon of growing importance in contemporary international politics.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2011
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
First published in 1975, this collection of essays expands upon the themes and ideas developed in the editors’ previous work, the visionary and groundbreaking text: The New Criminology. Directed at orthodox criminology, this is a partisan work written by a group of criminologists committed to a social transformation: a transformation to a society that does not criminalize deviance. Included are American contributions, particularly from the School of Criminology at Berkeley, represented by Hermann and Julia Schwendinger and Tony Platt, together with essays by Richard Quinney and William Chambliss. From Britain, Geoff Pearson considers deviancy theory as ‘misfit sociology’ and Paul Hirst attacks deviancy theory from an Althusserian Marxist position. The editors contribute a detailed introductory essay extending the position developed in The New Criminology, and two other pieces which attempt to continue the task of translating criminology from its traditional correctionalist stance to a commitment to socialist diversity and a crime-free set of social arrangements.
Häftad, Engelska, 2013
668 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
First published in 1975, this collection of essays expands upon the themes and ideas developed in the editors’ previous work, the visionary and groundbreaking text: The New Criminology. Directed at orthodox criminology, this is a partisan work written by a group of criminologists committed to a social transformation: a transformation to a society that does not criminalize deviance. Included are American contributions, particularly from the School of Criminology at Berkeley, represented by Hermann and Julia Schwendinger and Tony Platt, together with essays by Richard Quinney and William Chambliss. From Britain, Geoff Pearson considers deviancy theory as ‘misfit sociology’ and Paul Hirst attacks deviancy theory from an Althusserian Marxist position. The editors contribute a detailed introductory essay extending the position developed in The New Criminology, and two other pieces which attempt to continue the task of translating criminology from its traditional correctionalist stance to a commitment to socialist diversity and a crime-free set of social arrangements.
Häftad, Engelska, 2009
905 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
With China’s rise to the status of world power, trade and political links between Africa and China have been escalating at an astonishing rate. Sino-African relations are set to become an increasingly significant feature of world politics as China’s hunger for energy resources grows and many African countries seek a partner that, unlike the West, does not worry about democracy and transparency, or impose political conditions on economic relations. Ian Taylor, one of the foremost authorities on the international relations and political economy of Africa, provides a comprehensive assessment of relations between China and Africa. He discusses the historical evolution of Sino-African relations in the period since the 1949 revolution, with particular emphasis on the period since the end of the Cultural Revolution. Considering in detail China’s relations with Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Malawi, Taylor demonstrates how China has used the rhetoric of anti-hegemonies to secure and promote its position in the Third World.Taylor gives an engaging account of the hitherto under-researched topic of relations between China and Africa, a phenomenon of growing importance in contemporary international politics.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2010
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The increase in China’s economic and political involvement in Africa is arguably the most momentous development on the continent since the end of the Cold War. This book seeks to detail the origins, structure, workings and activities of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and its development over the last nine years. Mindful of the growing realisation that Africa is to play an increasingly important role in global energy politics, Ian Taylor provides a clear and detailed overview of an organisation that has been generally overlooked, despite the exponential rise in the importance of the Chinese presence in Africa. Topics addressed include: the key structures, functions and operations of the FOCACthe importance and development of the triennial summits, including the focus on cultural exchanges and economic cooperationthe key criticisms and challenges currently faced by the FOCACdiscussion of ‘emerging issues’ – is it possible to have a "win-win" situation between Africa and China, as the FOCAC suggests?The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a concise introduction to an organisation that will be instrumental in the future of Africa’s relationship with the developed world, and will be of interest to students of African and Chinese politics, International Relations and International Organizations.
Häftad, Engelska, 2012
892 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The increase in China’s economic and political involvement in Africa is arguably the most momentous development on the continent since the end of the Cold War. This book seeks to detail the origins, structure, workings and activities of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and its development over the last nine years. Mindful of the growing realisation that Africa is to play an increasingly important role in global energy politics, Ian Taylor provides a clear and detailed overview of an organisation that has been generally overlooked, despite the exponential rise in the importance of the Chinese presence in Africa. Topics addressed include: the key structures, functions and operations of the FOCACthe importance and development of the triennial summits, including the focus on cultural exchanges and economic cooperationthe key criticisms and challenges currently faced by the FOCACdiscussion of ‘emerging issues’ – is it possible to have a "win-win" situation between Africa and China, as the FOCAC suggests?The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a concise introduction to an organisation that will be instrumental in the future of Africa’s relationship with the developed world, and will be of interest to students of African and Chinese politics, International Relations and International Organizations.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2011
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
In seeking to cultivate external relations with African countries, China has long stressed its commonly shared roots with African nations as a developing country rather than a Western state, and as such the symbolic attraction of China clearly reverberates with many African elites who seem to look on China as a positive development model. However, it should be noted that this has not been embraced solely by dictatorial or authoritarian regimes but in fact China’s approach to non-interference has struck a chord even with those democratically elected leaders in Africa. While such practices clearly benefit African elites, it is remains doubtful that they do so for ordinary Africans, although sustained analysis suggests that potential exists, albeit hampered by the modalities of governance on the continent.This book brings together experts on the topic to throw light on some of the more contentious aspects of the relationship.This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary African Studies.
Häftad, Engelska, 2013
822 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
In seeking to cultivate external relations with African countries, China has long stressed its commonly shared roots with African nations as a developing country rather than a Western state, and as such the symbolic attraction of China clearly reverberates with many African elites who seem to look on China as a positive development model. However, it should be noted that this has not been embraced solely by dictatorial or authoritarian regimes but in fact China’s approach to non-interference has struck a chord even with those democratically elected leaders in Africa. While such practices clearly benefit African elites, it is remains doubtful that they do so for ordinary Africans, although sustained analysis suggests that potential exists, albeit hampered by the modalities of governance on the continent.This book brings together experts on the topic to throw light on some of the more contentious aspects of the relationship.This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary African Studies.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2013
2 424 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
"The New Criminology was written at a particular time and place; it was a product of 1968 and its aftermath: a world turned upside down .It was a time of great changes in personal politics and a surge of politics on the left: Marxism, Anarchism, Situationism as well as radical social democratic ideas became centre stage." Jock Young, from the new introduction.Taylor, Walton and Young’s The New Criminology is one of the seminal texts in Criminology. First published in 1973, it marked a watershed moment in the development of critical criminological theory and is as relevant today as it was forty years ago. It was one of the first texts to bridge the gap between criminological and sociological theory and demonstrated the weaknesses of classical and positivist criminology. Critics at the time saw it as the first truly comprehensive critique of Anglo-American studies of crime and deviance.Reproduced unabridged, the fortieth anniversary edition includes a brand new introductory essay from Jock Young placing the book in its intellectual context and sequence and looking at the theories which built up to it and the theories that have been built upon since. It is essential reading for all serious students engaged in criminological theory and is destined to inspire future generations.
Häftad, Engelska, 2013
878 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
"The New Criminology was written at a particular time and place; it was a product of 1968 and its aftermath: a world turned upside down .It was a time of great changes in personal politics and a surge of politics on the left: Marxism, Anarchism, Situationism as well as radical social democratic ideas became centre stage." Jock Young, from the new introduction.Taylor, Walton and Young’s The New Criminology is one of the seminal texts in Criminology. First published in 1973, it marked a watershed moment in the development of critical criminological theory and is as relevant today as it was forty years ago. It was one of the first texts to bridge the gap between criminological and sociological theory and demonstrated the weaknesses of classical and positivist criminology. Critics at the time saw it as the first truly comprehensive critique of Anglo-American studies of crime and deviance.Reproduced unabridged, the fortieth anniversary edition includes a brand new introductory essay from Jock Young placing the book in its intellectual context and sequence and looking at the theories which built up to it and the theories that have been built upon since. It is essential reading for all serious students engaged in criminological theory and is destined to inspire future generations.
Häftad, Engelska, 2013
232 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Britain is no longer the sole organizing centre for cultural studies. The contributors to this volume demonstrate how cultural studies has diffused into other English-speaking countries and how its original concerns have been renegotiated and changed. The result is a landmark book which provides students with an unrivalled guide to the international phenomenon of cultural studies.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2019790 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
At the end of the twentieth century, the bookstores are full of books on crime, though this title will certainly not find a place on the same shelves. In the massive Waterstones bookstore in the city of Manchester, England, where I lived through most of the 1990s, the ground floor display area was rearranged in 1995 so as to accommodate, right at the front of the store, several hundred new titles, on topics like Serial Murderers and Sexual Crimes of the Twentieth Century.l Several of these new books are companion volumes to movies on release in the city''s cinemas or, in some instances, are simply the original text on which the movies are based. The movies in question - Shallow Grave, Silence of the Lambs, Reservoir Dogs, Natural Born Killers and others - focus heavily on interpersonal violence and murder and also place great emphasis in the manner of many earlier cinematic genres - on the idea of the ''criminal mind'' (not least, as a way of dramatizing the detection of the originating criminal act) but also - to a significant extent, these are movies which emphasize the idea and contemporary social presence of evil. Similar moral and psychologistic preoccupations are now also widely apparent on primetime television - most notably, in Britain, in the extraordinarily powerful Cracker series, produced by Granada Television in 1994 and 1995, watched by over 15 million people, and featuring, inter alia, the forensic investigation'' of serial and sexual murders, some of them extremely graphically displayed (Crace 1994).2 The prominence of ''Gothic'' themes in movies about violent death is not new in itself: there is a long history of interest in the cinema in horror and, indeed, in ''transgression'' and evil. What may be definitive about the present genre of movies as well as the range of fictional and non-fictional titles in the bookstores about crime is the overwhelming focus on murder and killing represented in very contemporary and mundane, ordinary and, indeed, ''respectable'' settings, and the powerful suggestion that these movies are a representation of the risks and dangers involved in everyday life at the end of the twentieth century. The bookstore display in Waterstones is straightforwardly called the ''Real Crimes'' section.