The Political Uses of Literature 1st Edition

Curious how novels, poems, and plays shape political life? The Political Uses of Literature, 1st Edition by Benjamin Kohlmann and Ivana Perica offers a rigorous, readable exploration of how literary texts function as instruments of power, resistance, and identity across time and place.

This engaging volume brings together historical depth and contemporary relevance. Through close readings and comparative case studies—from state-building narratives in Europe to dissenting voices in the Global South—the authors show how writers and readers participate in political debates, construct collective memory, and contest authority. Combining literary theory, political thought, and cultural history, the book maps methods readers can use to analyze propaganda, memorialization, censorship, and protest literature.

Ideal for graduate students, scholars, and informed general readers, the 1st Edition balances theoretical clarity with accessible examples. You’ll find lucid discussions on topics such as literature’s role in nationalism, transitional justice, and social movements—making it invaluable for courses in literary studies, political theory, cultural studies, and history. Its comparative approach also makes it relevant to readers in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond who want to understand literature’s global political dimensions.

Clear, authoritative, and timely, The Political Uses of Literature equips you with conceptual tools and concrete readings that enrich research, classroom discussion, and personal inquiry. Add this essential title to your library to deepen your understanding of how stories shape public life and political imagination. Order your copy today and bring a sharper lens to the politics of literature.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.