Understanding Richard Hoggart: A Pedagogy of Hope Book

Richard Hoggart needs no introduction. Along with thinkers like E.P. Thompson and Raymond Williams he is considered one of Britain's greatest public intellectuals. The enduring influence of his work can not be overstated - just think of the landmark publication "The Uses Of Literacy" where his embrace of interdisciplinary ways of thinking and writing appealed to Cultural Studies' early pioneers. Surprisingly however there is no critical introduction to Richard Hoggart one that probes his writing and thinking in all its fullness complexity and diversity."Understanding Richard Hoggart" fills that gap. It is a lucid well-structured book that uses both detailed textual analysis and original archival research to analyze the full range of Hoggart's work. The authors' expertise in literature cultural studies and history enable them to work across disciplinary boundaries and to explore the network of principles ideas and analytical methods that underpin his texts from his early critical study of Auden to his autobiographical later writing and engagement with public bodies and institutions.As well as critically evaluating Hoggart's work from a historical perspective each chapter will refresh and renew his approach to popular culture by applying his method to contemporary cultural issues.Read More