Description
Book SynopsisThis study investigates the relationship of objects and affects in literary and philosophical texts from the 18th to the 20th century. It focuses on the obstinate obtrusiveness of objects, which refuse to disappear into their automatic, unconscious functionality, instead remaining conspicuous thereby causing humorous outbursts of anger and rage.
Trade Review"Kreienbrock's study moves with ease between literary theory, anthropology, epistemology, and psychology while never leaving the main thrust of his investigation from sight: the singular status of literature in articulating the pathos of the modern subject as seemingly overwhelmed and overcome by the world of things." -- -Paul Fleming Cornell University "Kreienbrock's work is a welcome contribution to the recent trend for Thing Studies." -Sean Williams, Monatshefte "The story Kreienbrock tells here is an interesting and thorough one, and it makes a contribution to the history of the modern subject amid the menagerie of objects from which he differentiates himself." -Daniel Bowles, German Studies Review