File spoon-archives/baudrillard.archive/baudrillard_1999/baudrillard.9902, message 5


From: soren.pedersen-AT-warwick.ac.uk
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:14:08 -0000
Subject: Re: Newbie / Reading List


Hi Josh

> I'm new to the list and to Baudrillard's works in general.  I've read
> several secondary sources on Bauldrillard as well as an essay or two. 
> This is, of course, woefully inadequate 

It most certainly is. The secondary sources on Baud are generally 
a complete waste of time.

> Baudrillard's middle and later works (the earlier stuff does not
> interest me).

Now that's a shame because they are a prerequisite for a full 
understanding of his late "stuff". You will find very subtle 
discussions of the second-order (industrial) simulacra in his early 
work and some exhilarating pointers towards what would later be 
known as the third-oder simulacra (= simulation proper). You 
should most certainly read "The System of Objects" (Verso), pp. 
137-155

> So, I'd like to request a reading list.  I have time for about 4-5
> texts... I would prefer that 2-3 of these be primary Baudrillard
> sources

The next text you should dig into is "Symbolic Exchange and 
Death" (Sage) which is generally regarded as his best. Read chap. 
1-2. Chap. 2 "The Order of Simulacra" is absolutely essential.

You should also read "Seduction" (St. Martin's Press) chap. 1 & 3 
and "Fatal Strategies" (Semiotexte) chap. 1-3 to get an idea of his 
political thoughts. And - almost forgot this one - his fabulous "In the 
Shadow of the Silent Majorities" (Semiotexte).

...  I'm aware that a great number of people have attacked B's
> position and I'd appreciate a pointer to one of the more insightful
> attacks (preferably a philosopher rather than a sociologist).

They don't exist as far as I know. Commentators like Kellner, 
Norris simply do not understand Baud. And why read bad COPIES 
when you can have the ORIGINAL "stuff".


> Thanks,
>              Josh Crozier
>  

Good luck

Soren


   

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