THE SPECTACULAR BODY - JEAN-MARIE PRADIER

The book "The Spectacular Body" by Jean-Marie Pradier is a fascinating journey through history and culture, analyzing the evolution of the perception of the body in the context of spectacles. The author examines how ancient, Renaissance, and classicist performances influenced the development of human sciences, presenting a complex relationship to the body and its functions in Western philosophical thought, medicine, and other fields. It is a must-read for anyone interested in theater, psychology, and cultural studies.

• In-depth analysis of historical performances
• Relationship between performances and the development of human sciences
• Relationship to the body in Western philosophical and medical thought
• Shaping the concept of the "spectacular body"
• Influence of cultural and religious determinants on the perception of the body
• Views of prominent theater creators on the body in performances
• Comparison of European theories with Asian ones

Jean-Marie Pradier, a French psychologist and theater scholar, is one of the most outstanding contemporary theorists of the performing arts. His multidisciplinary approach to theater research, which began in the 1990s, led to the emergence of ethnoscenology. Pradier taught at universities around the world, sharing his knowledge and passion with future generations of researchers and artists.

In his book, Pradier analyzes how cultural and religious determinants of a given era, the views of prominent theater creators, and numerous social and political changes shaped the concept of the "spectacular body." The author compares European theories with Asian ones to highlight the characteristic features of the Western way of thinking about the body and its role in spectacles. This book is a valuable source of knowledge for anyone who wants to understand how culture and history influence our perception of the body.

The Scientific Publishing House PWN presents readers with a publication that will surely satisfy the curiosity of both students and experienced researchers. The hardcover binding and careful edition make this book an ornament to any library. The 144x209 mm format and 480 pages full of content guarantee many hours of fascinating reading. The year of publication 2012 proves that this is a position that has permanently entered the canon of theater literature.

"The Spectacular Body" is not only a historical analysis but also an attempt to understand contemporary spectacles and their influence on our perception of the body. Pradier shows how theater, dance, performance, and other forms of spectacles shape our ideas about the body, its possibilities, and limitations. This book provokes reflection on the role of the body in culture and society, encouraging a critical look at the world of spectacles around us.