The Glorious Times of the Situationist International
Channel: housmansbookshop
Date: 18/06/2012

'The Glorious Times of the Situationist International' with McKenzie Wark

Starting up in the post-war Paris, and finding notoriety during the uprising of May 1968, the Situationists argued against mass media and advocated living life in opposition to advanced capitalism. They derived their name from the idea of purposefully constructing 'situations', or moments of life, that force individuals to view their everyday lives critically before transforming these moments into the pursuit of true desires. After the movement attained a heyday during the riots of 1968, the Situationists' membership dwindled and they eventually disbanded in 1972.

 McKensie Wark's new book on the subject The Beach Beneath the Street: The Glorious Times of the Situationist International, explores anew the history of the movement and connects the Situationist's work to new practices in communication, built form, and everyday life. Illuminating for both those already fascinated by the Situationists and those discovering the movement for the first time, The Beach Beneath the Street provides valuable insights into the Situationists. McKenzie will be available for discussion and book-signing and will take questions after his talk.

 Although Paris is the spiritual home of the Situationist International, through a kindred sense of purpose we felt that this event would be a fitting part of Housmans' annual 'London's Burning' season. See www.housmans.com/events.php for more info.

Book information
'The Beach Beneath the Street: The Everyday Life and Glorious Times of the Situationist International'
 By McKenzie Wark
 Paperback: 224 pages
 Publisher: Verso (2011)
 Language English
 ISBN-13: 978 1 84467 720 7
 RRP:      £14.99

Filmed Wednesday 24 August, 7pm