Originally published in 2004, Queer Theory, Gender An Instant Primer is a classic of LGBTQ+ literature and is taught in most gender studies programs throughout the United States. It was the first book to offer a one-stop, no-nonsense introduction to the core of postmodern theory, particularly its impact on queer and gender studies and is still powerfully relevant today. Nationally-known gender activist Riki Wilchins combines straightforward prose with concrete examples from LGBTQ+ and feminist politics, as well as her own life, to guide the reader through the foundational ideas of Derrida, Foucault, and Judith Butler that have forever altered our understanding of bodies, sex and desire. This is that rare postmodern theory book that combines accessibility, passion, personal experience and applied politics, noting at every turn why these ideas matter and how they can affect your daily life.
New edition of a book first published in 2004, the introduction has been updated but I'm not sure if much else has. This is an excellent primer for queer/gender theory, introducing key thoughts by Derrida and Butler, in an accessible form, that will either be enough or encourage further thinking. Occasionally, there was too much of the author's perspective, also some naivety when they wrote: "The politicisation of food is almost non-existent." "Eating has almost no consequences for morality or sin, and we don't struggle to come to terms with our hunger the way we do our sexuality."
Overall, as a primer it does its job well.
With thence to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.