In this media encyclopaedia, Danesi explains he has brought together what he believes to be “absolutely essential knowledge”. He draws on interdisciplinary domains such as anthropology, psychology, linguistics, philosophy, sociology and semiotics. He aims to provide perspectives that are not available elsewhere in media studies. In so far as there is a quest in the work, it is a quest for meaning.
As a general reader, I enjoyed the sections on adventure stories, advertising and propaganda. The Timelines at the end of the book are a serendipitous joy.
Since there are no ‘chapters’ in an Encyclopedia, this is an instance where I recommend purchasing the print edition. It’s impossible to browse comfortably on a Kindle.
Encyclopedia of Media and Communication edited by Marcel Danesi is published by the University of Toronto Press. ISBN 9781442611696. Price CAD$45.00 (Paperback). (Disclosure — a free review copy was made available via Netgalley.com)