The Grand Allusion
How Pop Culture Works in the 21st Century
(forthcoming, Repeater Books)

The use of allusions represents an important way we employ our cultural artifacts to form relationships and build community. That is, we determine which texts are appropriate for repurposing and which resonate with the shared beliefs of our community. Members of said communities allude to the same shared texts in their personal narratives. The shared texts are where we “compare notes” on our collective experiences. Noticed or not, allusions traffic in cultural cargo, smuggling in information from other sources.

By situating the lyrical allusions of Kendrick Lamar and Lil’ Wayne and the pop-cultural references of Family Guy and South Park in the same frame as those of Shakespeare and Melville, The Grand Allusion illustrates the historical pedigree and the instructive power of allusion. The references in all of these works serve the same function: a deeper meaning for the audience, a deeper connection to the work.

The Grand Allusion traces a lineage from ancient literature and philosophy, through contemporary music, movies, and television, right up to internet memes. A vital and timely volume with not only a broad appeal to media studies but also a solid foundation in its literary roots, The Grand Allusion is of interest to anyone who wants to understand how pop culture works in the 21st century.

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