When it first appeared in 1964, Stuart Hall and Paddy Whannel's The Popular Arts opened up an almost unprecedented field of analysis and inquiry into contemporary popular culture. In contrast to prevailing views of the time, Hall and Whannel recognized popular culture's social importance and considered it worthy of serious study. In their analysis of everything, from Hollywood Westerns and the novels of Mickey Spillane, Ian Fleming, and Raymond Chandler, to jazz, advertising, and the television industry, they were guided by the belief that studying popular culture demanded an ethical evaluation of a work and full attention to its properties.

In doing so, they raised questions about the relation of culture to society and the politics of taste and judgment in ways that continue to shape cultural studies. This landmark text highlights the development of Hall's theoretical and methodological approach, while adding to a greater understanding of his work.

This edition includes a new introduction by Richard Dyer, who situates The Popular Arts within the history of cultural studies and outlines its impact and enduring legacy.

This book will be of interest to scholars in cultural studies and media studies.

Stuart Hall (1932–2014) was one of the most prominent and influential scholars and public intellectuals of his generation. Hall appeared widely on British media, taught at the University of Birmingham and the Open University, was the founding editor of New Left Review, and served as the director of Birmingham's Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies.

Paddy Whannel (1922–1980) was a film scholar, educator at the British Film Institute, and Associate Professor of Film at Northwestern University.

Richard Dyer is Professor of Film Studies at King's College London.

Introduction to 2018 Edition by Richard Dyer

Introduction

PART I: DEFINITIONS

1. The Media and Society
2. Minority Art, Folk Art, and Popular Art
3. Popular Art and Mass Culture

PART II: TOPICS FOR STUDY

4. Popular Forms and Popular Artists
5. Violence on the Screen
6. The Avenging Angels
7. Falling in Love
8. Fantasy and Romance
9. Friends and Neighbours
10. The Young Audience
11. The Big Bazaar

PART III: SOCIAL THEMES

12. The Institutions
13. Mass Society: Critics and Defenders

Acknowledgments
Index