Adorno: A Guide for the Perplexed

Continuum’s Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging – or, indeed, downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to fathom, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material. One of the most influential philosophers and cultural theorists of the twentieth century, Theodor Adorno poses a considerable challenge to students. His works can often seem obscure and impenetrable, particularly for those with little knowledge of the philosophical traditions on which he draws. His tendency to confound what we take for common sense, and to attack what he sees as the dominant trends in twentieth century European and American culture, can pose very particular difficulties for the reader. ‘Adorno’ is an engaging and accessible account of his thought that does not patronise or short-change the reader. Those new to Adorno – and those who have struggled to make headway with his work – will find this an invaluable resource – clearly written, comprehensive and specifically focused on just what makes Adorno difficult to read and understand. The text is structured around key themes in Adorno’s work and provides clear and stimulating accounts of topics including the central place of the aesthetic in Adorno’s writing, his much misunderstood essays on popular culture and the importance of freedom in Adorno’s philosophy.