The Rumour of Calcutta

Tourism, Charity and the Poverty of Representation

The Rumour of Calcutta cover

The Rumour of Calcutta

Tourism, Charity and the Poverty of Representation

Description

An extraordinary study of the politics of representation, this book explores the discursive construction of a 'city of intensities'.

The author analyses representations of Calcutta in a wide variety of discourses: in the gossip and travellor-lore of backpackers and volunteer charity workers; in writing - from classic literature to travel guides; in cinema, photography and maps. The book shows how the rumours of westerners contribute to the elaboration of an imaginary city; and in doing so, circulate in ways fundamental to the maintenance of international order.

A provocative and original reading of both Heidegger and Marx, the book also draws upon writers as diverse as Spivak, Trinh, Jameson, Clifford, Virilio, Bataille, Derrida, Deleuze and Guattari. As such it is essential reading for students and scholars in cultural studies, anthropology, development and sociology.

Table of Contents

Contents
1. Calcutta Cipher
2. Travellers in Calcutta
3. Writing Calcutta: travelling with Lèvi-Strauss and Gunter Grass
4. Cartographies
5. Photogenic Calcutta
6. Cinematic Calcutta
Conclusion

Product details

Published 18 Aug 2023
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 256
ISBN 9789356405295
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic India
Dimensions 216 x 135 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

John Hutnyk

John Hutnyk is currently Associate Professor in So…

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