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David Weir

    January 1, 1947

    David Weir's work offers a critical examination of modernist literature and culture. He meticulously explores the intricate connections between aesthetic movements, political ideologies, and cultural shifts, with a particular focus on decadence and modernism. Weir delves into how artists and writers responded to societal transformations and shaped contemporary understandings of art and culture. His approach reveals profound links between literary innovation and broader intellectual and social discourses.

    The Leopard (Il Gattopardo)
    Bohemians: A Very Short Introduction
    The Bhopal Syndrome
    American Orient: Imagining the East from the Colonial Era Through the Twentieth Century
    Knowing God's Will for Your Life: Decision Making by the Book
    The Sociology of Modern Britain
    • 2023

      The nineteenth-century Romantic myth of Bohemia emerged to describe the new conditions faced by artists and writers, who after the previous system of aristocratic patronage collapsed were free to move around in search of success. Yet most real-life bohemians have scant interest in commercial gain and are not so itinerant after all. Tracing these contradictions in bohemian cultures and lifestyles from the early nineteenth century to the present, David Weir explores the myth of Bohemia as it developed in various forms of expression--novels, plays, operas, films--and in key cities, including Paris, Munich, and New York. Weir concludes with a discussion of the legacy of Bohemia today as something outworn and dying, an exhausted tradition that somehow continues.

      Bohemians: A Very Short Introduction
    • 2022

      The Bhopal Syndrome

      Pesticides, Environment and Health

      • 230 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Focusing on the catastrophic Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984, this book provides a detailed account of one of the worst industrial disasters in history. It explores the events leading up to the incident, the immediate aftermath, and the long-term impact on the affected community. Through a blend of personal narratives and analytical insights, it highlights the human and environmental consequences of negligence in industrial practices, making it a poignant reflection on safety and accountability.

      The Bhopal Syndrome
    • 2021

      Ernst Lubitsch's Trouble in Paradise (1932) was released at a critical moment in cinema history, just after the advent of synchronized sound technology and just before the full implementation of the production code. By the time of its release, Lubitsch had already directed more than 50 films, but it was unlike anything he had done before. Aside from being his first non-musical talking picture, the film introduced a level of sophistication and visual subtlety that established the benchmark for classic Hollywood cinema for years to come.In his study of the film, David Weir explores its significance within Lubitsch's career, but also its larger cultural significance within the history of cinema, and the social context of its release during the Great Depression. Paying careful attention to the film itself, Weir discusses its source material, its mise-en-scène and art deco production design, and its inventive use of post-synchronized sound. Drawing on original archival research, Weir traces Trouble in Paradise 's reception history, including its critical reception, and the effect of the Motion Picture Production Code, which led to the film being denied approval for re-release in 1935.

      Trouble in Paradise
    • 2018
    • 2015

      Ulysses Explained

      How Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare Inform Joyce's Modernist Vision

      • 254 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The analysis delves into James Joyce's Ulysses by exploring its connections to the works of Homer, Shakespeare, and Dante. By examining the Homeric narrative style, Dantesque structure, and Shakespearean plot elements, the author, Weir, offers a fresh perspective that highlights the profound influence of these literary giants on Joyce's groundbreaking novel. This approach uncovers new interpretations and deepens the understanding of Joyce's intricate storytelling.

      Ulysses Explained
    • 2011

      The book delves into the deep-rooted American fascination with the Far East, tracing its origins back to the eighteenth century. Unlike their British and European contemporaries, early Americans viewed the East as a source of enlightenment, with figures like Franklin and Jefferson finding philosophical kinship in Confucius. As America transitioned to an industrial society, Transcendentalists sought mystical insights from Hinduism. This trend evolved through the twentieth century, influencing poets and continuing into modern times, where the East serves as a complex fantasy for self-discovery and authenticity.

      American Orient: Imagining the East from the Colonial Era Through the Twentieth Century
    • 2007

      Exploring the contradictions within the American decadent movement during the 1890s and 1920s, this work examines how artists and writers challenged societal norms while grappling with themes of excess, moral decay, and aestheticism. It delves into the cultural context of the era, highlighting the influence of European decadence and the unique responses of American creators. Through detailed analysis, the book reveals how these paradoxes shaped the artistic landscape and reflected broader societal tensions of the time.

      Decadent Culture in the United States: Art and Literature Against the American Grain, 1890-1926