Raymond Williams’ seminal exploration of the history of meaning of some of the most important words in the English language.
First published in 1976, and expanded in 1983, KEYWORDS reveals how the meanings of 131 words – including ‘art’, ‘class’, ‘family’, ‘media’, ‘sex’ and ‘tradition’ – were formed and subsequently altered and redefined as the historical contexts in which they were used changed.
Neither a defining dictionary or glossary, KEYWORDS is rather a brilliant investigation into how the meanings of some of the most important words in the English language have shifted over time, and the forces that brought about those shifts.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
‘A revelatory unpacking of the complicated disputes that lay – dormant, as it were – within familiar words’ Guardian
‘Williams’s essential point about the social and political stakes in simple words and phrases is as true today as it was in the 1970s: think of the many battles that have erupted around terms like “liberal,” “torture,” “pro-life” or “intelligent design”’ New York Times
‘This book is an erudite, elegant, and awful warning to anybody tempted to lay down the lexicographical law, in order to apply one authoritative fixed sense to a highly variable and controversial value word’ The Times
‘Keywords is useful and stimulating to all who work with words or merely love them’ Wall Street Journal
‘The book’s greatest value, perhaps, is its exemplification of how all of us should respond to the words we hear and use: with surprise, distrust, curiosity, and unflagging vigilance’ Yale Review
‘An invaluable book ... A unique coda to the words of one of our most original and provocative thinkers’ Harpers
An academic, and the writer of both non-fiction and fiction, Raymond Williams (1921–88) was one of the most important and influential British thinkers of the twentieth century. Williams wrote about politics, culture, mass media and literature, and his work was key to the development of cultural studies. His best-known books include ‘Culture and Society’, ‘The Long Revolution’ and ‘The Country and the City’.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 1370576-n
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-0006861504-new
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition. Seller Inventory # bk0006861504xvz189zvxnew
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9780006861508
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780006861508
Book Description Condition: New. pp. 352. Seller Inventory # 38630043
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Raymond Williams' seminal exploration of the history of meaning of some of the most important words in the English language. Seller Inventory # B9780006861508
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9780006861508-GDR
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 352 pages. 7.76x5.00x0.94 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __0006861504
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780006861508_new