Product Description

Offering a theory of new media, this book places the recent developments within the history of visual culture of the last few centuries. The reliance on old conventions as well as ideas unique to new media are explored, with particular emphasis on the role of the cinema.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #109233 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 394 pages

Customer Reviews

A systematic theory of new media
This thoughtful, sophisticated book is one of the first attempts to offer a systematic theoretical account of new media. Manovich addresses this challenging task in two ways. First, he uses history and culture to develop his case through analogy, comparison, and contrast. By anchoring new media form and practice in earlier media, Manovich demonstrates the twin forces of continuity and change that make technological development both fascinating and difficult to understand. Second, he uses the clear description of technology and technical effects to elaborate an understanding of what new media are and how they work. The technological parameters and effects of new media give rise to their philosophical, social, and artistic potential. New media programs have been waiting for this book. Many programs support enthusiastic studio work with critical studies and philosophy adapted from other fields. Teachers and students can now examine their work with the help of a focused and articulate expert.


Ken Friedman
Professor
Norwegian School of Management, Oslo, and Denmark's Design School, Copenhagen

lev's the man
A well argued investigation as to what is and is not new media... One of the Manovich's greatest strengths is his knowledge of early cinema practices which have made a comeback with digital technologies. Progressing from there, he examines some potential uses of new technology for the creation of new forms of artistic practice. The book provides useful weblinks for many of the artworks/artists discussed which contextualise the theoretical web Manovich articulately spins.

This book provides an excellent introduction to the field of new media, explaining the historical roots of the genre before going on to suggest some of the potentialites of the future.