Spencer Dew's, Learning for Revolution: The Work of Kathy Acker, Brings this Feminist's Work Back to Life

Spencer Dew's Learning for Revolution: The Work of Kathy Acker is providing the public with a comprehensive insight into the work and theory of Kathy Acker. This experimental thinker's theories have not stopped making an impact in various facets of society. Kathy Acker broke the mold of the 'sophisticated scholar' through her provocative and controversial style. Spencer Dew's analysis of Acker does not limit itself to her narratives as he takes a dive into her essays and criticism as well as her teachings. This exploration of her work is crucial for a true understanding of Acker's message and perception of society.

Her scholarly work is not the only component under the microscope; Dew also uses aspects of her life and overall philosophies to take the reader into Acker's world. Dew writes: "Kathy Acker's broadly conceived political and ethical dreams-of a world less defined by inequality, hierarchy, oppression-are dreams which I share. As a scholar and writer, I am urgently concerned with questions of to what extent and through what means literature and art can bring about change of political structures, alter and construct communities, and redefine relations between human beings."

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This feminist theorist is brought to life through Spencer Dew's Learning for Revolution: The Work of Kathy Acker! Make sure to pick up your SDSU Press copy today!

Get Inspired by Catherine Yi-yu Cho Woo's book, "Luster of Jade: Poetry, Painting, and Music"

Born in the capital of China, Catherine Yi-yu Cho Woo is an artist that has reached  

international success. Dr. Woo has excelled as a poet, painter, composer, teacher, and scholar. With numerous awards, nine books and a teaching position at San Diego State University, one of her poems was turned into a song that became a number one hit in Taiwan. Due to her breathtaking representations of nature, and soul she was asked by President Bush to serve on the National Council for the Arts in 1991.

San Diego State University Press has captured some of Dr. Woo’s talent in this 1992 publication, “Luster of Jade: Poetry, Painting, and Music.” Dr. Woo’s poetry has a signature feature, as her strategic use of space is as unique as her word choice. Although Dr. Woo has reached international fame, her poetry still explores elements of human behavior that is easy to relate to, as her poem Memories goes:

Memories

                  Old

                        Faded

                                    Yellow

                                                Memories

A smile

            A touch

                        A whisper

                                          Of

                                              Yesteryear

                                                            Faraway

In the Background

                                Yet never gone

They were thrown away

                                    Yet they stayed

They are ours

This compilation of Dr. Woo's talent is not confined to poetry, but also includes her artwork. Paintings which have been described as, "visual poems, because of the simplicity, intensity, and purity of her expressions" and which have graced the walls of Harvard's Sackler Museum and Taiwan's National Gallery in Taipei. Dr. Woo's perception of the world is clearly seen in her artwork and poetry and if allowed to, can also inspire.  

A copy of, "Luster of Jade: Poetry, Painting, and Music" is available on Amazon for only $2.95!