The Arcades Project by Walter Benjamin
The Arcades Project presents Walter Benjamin’s unfinished study of nineteenth-century Paris through quotations and reflections arranged as a montage. Its focus on the shopping arcades, consumer culture and the idea of historical progress suits readers interested in critical theory, but customer feedback warns that the book can be difficult to read.
At a glance
- Explores the nineteenth-century shopping arcades of Paris and the rise of consumer culture.
- Arranges quotations and reflections from published sources into thirty-six thematic categories.
- Addresses commodification, bourgeois history and Benjamin’s critique of the idea of progress.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The montage structure brings together material across many published sources and themes.
- Customers praise the book’s originality and content, with some finding it indispensable reading.
Cons
- Customer feedback reports serious readability difficulties, which may make the book challenging as a continuous read.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Harvard University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 29 April 2002 |
| Edition | New Ed |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 1088 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0674008022 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0674008021 |
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 4.45 x 25.4 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 294 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Walter Benjamin, critical theory and philosophy.
- Readers studying nineteenth-century Paris, consumer culture or historical writing.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a straightforward narrative or an easy introductory read.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
72% 72% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
7% 7%
Customer feedback praises the book’s originality and content, with reports that some readers consider it indispensable. Readability is a clear concern, and several customers describe it as very difficult to read. For buyers, that matters because the listed 1,088-page work is presented as a montage of quotations and reflections rather than a simple narrative. Ratings are generally favourable overall, but they do not remove the reported difficulty or establish that the book will suit every reader.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the book’s content and originality.
- Some readers describe it as indispensable reading.
Negative themes
- Readability receives criticism, with several customers describing the book as difficult to read.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Arcades Project about?
It examines the arcades of nineteenth-century Paris and uses them to explore consumerism, commodification and historical progress.
Is The Arcades Project an easy read?
Customer feedback includes substantial criticism of its readability. Its montage of quotations and reflections may suit readers prepared for a challenging, non-linear work.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 1088 pages.
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