Illustrated Book of Herbs

Chambers, associate professor of English at the University of Naples and author of Urban Rhythms: Pop Music and Pop Culture, maintains that ""the previous authority of culture, once respectfully designated with a capital C, no longer has an exclusive hold on meaning. `High culture' becomes just one more subculture, one more option, in our midst.'' How did this happen? According to Chambers, while a definition of culture was being fought over in universities and journals, popular culture ``bypassed the question.'' He argues that the increasing complexity and diversity of popular culture parallels the transformation and growth of cities, and examines transitions, influence and trends in advertising, photography, film, movie theaters, music halls, clothing, radio and the recording industry, noting that the ``once-separate historical avant-garde'' is now an accepted element in pop imagery. The author's illuminating critical writing makes for a valuable map and guidebook. (December)