Description
Book SynopsisBringing two voices into the discussion - Toni Morrison and Thomas Pynchon - to examine the different ways in which their writings embody, engage, and critique the official narratives generated by US liberal ideology, the author revises important ideas in the debate over individualism and the political theory of liberalism.
Trade Review“
Negative Liberties combines historical, literary, cultural, and political interests as it includes a historical study and critique of ‘individualism,’ excellent literary chapters devoted to fresh readings of Thomas Pynchon and Toni Morrison, and a political examination of the relationship of liberty and slavery. Inspired by Sacvan Bercovitch, Cyrus Patell’s book is a thoughtful contribution to American Studies.”—Werner Sollors, Harvard University
“
Negative Liberties is a sophisticated study of the appeal of the ideology of individualism in the United States. It is a vast and widely considered topic, but Patell has something new to say about it. His unique contribution comes out of his understanding of the human reliance on storytelling and the creation of narratives. Ethical and deeply engaging, this book adds an important new dimension to ideological criticism in the United States.”—Priscilla Wald, author of
Constituting Americans: Cultural Anxiety and Narrative FormTable of ContentsPreface
One: Narrating Individualism
Two: Idealizing Individualism
Three: Unenlightened Enlightenment
Four: Contemplating Community
Conclusion: Beyond Individualism
Notes
Works Cited
