Baudrillard and the Media

'Baudrillard and the Media' is the first in-depth critical study of
Jean Baudrillard's media theory. Rejecting the common positioning
of Baudrillard within the discipline as a postmodernist it argues
instead for the necessity of a fuller reading of his ideas and
critical project.

Merrin offers an overview and evaluation of his key arguments
and themes, focusing especially upon the organising principle of
his work: his theory of symbolic exchange and critique of the
semiotic and of simulation. Upon this basis the book also
resituates Baudrillard within media theory, developing an original,
critical re-reading of his relationship with McLuhanism and arguing
for the significance instead of hitherto neglected influences such
as Boorstin.

Emphasizing his critical value and contemporary relevance,
'Baudrillard and the Media' also provides the most detailed
exploration yet of Baudrillard's theory of the non-event,
considering its applicability through case studies of his
controversial analyses of the Gulf War, of 9/11 and the Afghan and
Iraq Wars and of his own appearance in the film The Matrix.
Considering also Baudrillard's discussion of cinema, his theory and
personal practice of photography and his critique of new media, the
book concludes with an evaluation of his place within media and
communication studies and an argument for his importance for this
field.

Students and scholars of the media, and media theory in
particular, will welcome this clear and comprehensive study.