Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Because of the polymorphousness of its disciplinary perversity,
Tendencies, taken together with Sedgwick's two previous books, virtually defines the new field of queer studies. The opulent availability of an embodied self who also happens to be a brilliant reader marks Sedgwick's effort throughout this volume. It is also what allows one the tutelary space for taking, not only pleasure from her work, but courage from her example."—James Creech, author of
Closet Writing/Gay Reading"Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick is deservedly recognised as the
primum mobile of lesbian & gay studies. Yet her real achievement lies not so much in the creation of a new academic discipline, as in the profound implications her work carries for the rest of the academy, and the wider world beyond. For she assigns an absolutely fundamental, constitutive role to homophobia in the construction of Modernity, and its myriad institutions, discourses, pleasures, and pains.
Tendencies provides a marvelously exhilarating excursion across the range of her interests and involvements. . . . She is the most consistently intelligent, courageous, perceptive, daring and sensible critic currently writing in the United States. I strongly recommend panic-buying."—Simon Watney, author of
Policing DesireTable of ContentsForeword: T Times xi
Queer and Now 1
Queer Tutelage
Privilege of Unknowing: Diderot's
The Nun 23
Tales of the Avunculate:
The Importance of Being Earnest 52
Is the Rectum Straight?: Identification and Identity in
The Wings of the Dove 73
Memorial for Craig Owens 104
Crossing of Discourses
Jane Austen and the Masturbating Girl 109
Epidemics of the Will 130
Nationalisms and Sexualities 143
How to Bring Your Kids Up Gay: The War on Effeminate Boys 154
Across Genders, Across Sexualities
Willa Cather and Others 167
A Poem Is Being Written 177
Divinity: A Dossier, A Performance Piece, A Little-Understood Emotion (written with Michael Moon) 215
White Glasses 252
Bibliography 267
Index 275
