Culture and Consensus; first published in 1995 and a revised edition in 1997; explores the history of the relationship between politics and the arts in Britain since 1940; and shows how the search for a secure sense of English identity has been reflected in official and unofficial attitudes to the arts; architecture; landscape and other emblems of national significance. Illustrating his argument with a series of detailed case histories; Robert Hewison analyses how Britainrsquo;s cultural life has reached its present enfeebled condition and suggests a way forward. This book will be of interest to students of art and cultural studies.
#1706301 in eBooks 2015-07-14 2015-07-14File Name: B00ZAQS90C
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Hidden GemBy Jeffrey SwystunA theory suggests that most of humankinds progress is attributed to war. Conflict is a driver of innovation. It prompts a very dangerous race. During the Cold War the most visible example of this was the space race. Yet; there were many others that are well documented and delightfully written about in this book. Creative hothouses are now employed by startups and the advertising industry. The term represents focused efforts where teams solve big problems in intense environments with big stakes.The authors document many by-products of the war effort and the process of assimilating military logic and tactics into the marketplace. The timing of this was incredible. The post-war WW2 boom in consumerism and capitalism was fertile ground for new product consumption. It was fascinating to learn how society was manipulated by the military industrial complex and how psychological operations were turned into marketing and advertising campaigns.The parts that covered Alcoa advertising campaigns; the Monsanto House of the Future; and Playboys impact on mens lifestyle are unbelievable. Plastics and other manufacturing products changed so much and this is brought alive by examining playrooms; toys and furniture. Other topics covered include Americas interstate highway system; shopping centers; along with aluminum foil and the king-size bed (and the round rotating one).I do not know why this book did not receive more attention. It is well written; entertaining and often head scratching but in the right way. It will have you questioning your own purchasing habits and making the linkages of why we buy what we buy from these decades past. It will also have you admire the ingenuity of these inventions. In short; this book will make you think.
