Theory Aside

"Theory Aside is filled with surprising analytic moves that feel absolutely necessary. The contributors seek the undetonated futures of past and current theoretical paradigms, stepping to the side of where we think we've been to open up new ways of thinking. Their essays are distinguished by a probing, lucid quality that makes them a real pleasure to read." - Elizabeth Freeman author of Time Binds: Queer Temporalities, Queer Histories

"Theory Aside is a terrific collection, its argument highly cogent and its organization luminously clear. As the editors realize, it is ironic that some will find brand new their claim that critical theory might have had a different history, a history that the essays in this volume reimagine in a variety of engaging ways. If something newly important can be said today about Theory's future as well as its past, Theory Aside will surely be the volume that catalyzes this discussion." - Andrew Parker, author of The Theorist's Mother

“This insightful collection of essays regarding the use and place of theory in a post-theoretical realm dares to imagine how theory may successfully challenge and illuminate understanding of the world. . . . Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty.”  - S. Batcos, Choice

"Potts and Stout call for a more ‘modest’ critical practice that gives attention to previously neglected thinkers and considers how theory might have developed in different ways....[The book's] approach disciplines including gender studies, film, poetics and postcolonial studies from surprising, and often enlightening, perspectives." - Forum for Modern Language Studies