Capitalism and desire : the psychic cost of free markets /

McGowan (Univ. of Vermont), experienced at using social philosophies and critiques within film studies, now uses those lenses to examine the interplay of capitalism with human desires. Unlike many tomes on capitalism, the focus is not limited by industry, time span, or geography. Browsers who notice the catchy titles of chapter subsections might incorrectly presume this is written in a lighthearted, nonacademic style. Deeper reading reveals this is clearly a scholarly work, with ample footnoting to source documents, providing touchstones to dozens of societal philosophers since Marx. All chapters raise philosophical issues that entice readers to dip into footnoted documents for additional readings. The indexing of individuals mentioned is accurate and liberally present but is weak for unique concepts, such as citoyen, signification and "culture of narcissism." Immediately following the chapter alluringly titled "The Market's Fetishistic Sublime" are the conclusions, which seem weak and lacking discourse about ameliorating the emotional and social costs of capitalism that are so clearly identified. The audience for this book is much broader than just those interested in economics, considering inquiries into human nature and social theories by Agamben, Arendt, Deleuze, Freud, Hegel, Kant, and Lacan. Summing Up: Optional. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. --Gary M. Klein, Willamette University