In this text, John Docker aims to take his readers on an intellectual adventure. The journey includes an introductory guided tour of the history of modernism, consideration of the development of postmodernism, explanation of the difference between structuralism and poststructuralism and discussion of the debates and conflicts around each. Along the way readers will visit the architecture of Le Corbusier, take a ride on the Sydney monorail, watch Prisoner (Cell Block H) on TV, come into contact with Derrida, read some crime fiction and enter into the world of carnival. The book engages with some of the important academic debates of our time. It aims to combine polemical force with intellectual rigour, reclaiming popular culture from the forces opposed to it. John Docker's personal style and accessible prose should introduce postmodernism to many interested general readers and students intimidated by other dense, theoretical tracts. The breadth and intelligence of his cultural history should make the book suitable reading for scholars, in a range of disciplines, around the world.
