The Crisis of Capitalism in the Contemporary Novel - by Andrew Rowcroft (Paperback)

About the Book

This book explores the role of radical ideas in contemporary fiction by nine critically acclaimed authors--Jonathan Lethem, Dana Spiotta, China Mieville, Thomas Pynchon, Rachel Kushner, Teddy Wayne, Colson Whitehead, Jacqueline Woodson, and Kim Stanley Robinson. All of them share interests in the politics of the left, the problems of protracted economic crisis, and the potentiality of post-capitalist ideas. Novels by these authors, this book argues, are defined by an imperative to confront current anxieties in left-thought, while, at the same time, evincing a nuanced degree of self-consciousness about the legacy of political radicalisms, the costs they accrue, and where they have led.--page [4] of cover.

Book Synopsis

This book explores the role of radical ideas in contemporary fiction by nine critically acclaimed authors--Jonathan Lethem, Dana Spiotta, China Mieville, Thomas Pynchon, Rachel Kushner, Teddy Wayne, Colson Whitehead, Jacqueline Woodson, and Kim Stanley Robinson.

All of them share interests in the politics of the left, the problems of protracted economic crisis, and the potentiality of post-capitalist ideas.

Novels by these authors, this book argues, are defined by an imperative to confront current anxieties in left-thought, while, at the same time, evincing a nuanced degree of self-consciousness about the legacy of political radicalisms, the costs they accrue, and where they have led.

Review Quotes

"Drawing on and extending Jameson's critical practice, the author pays careful attention to the ways that contemporary writers formally register the crises and promises of left-wing politics"-Stephen Schryer, author of Maximum Feasible Participation: American Literature and the War on Poverty

"Rowcroft's persuasive and clear-sighted book represents and important intervention in the study of contemporary fiction and left politics"-Arin Keeble, author of Twenty-First Century Fictions of Terrorism

About the Author

Andrew Rowcroft is an associate lecturer in English at the University of Lincoln in England.