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2.69 AVERAGE
2.69 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
slow-paced
I waffled on how to rate this book because there are some really neat ideas and synthesis of different ideas, but the writing is just so dense and academically bloated that it's virtually incomprehensible unless you're familiar with all of the specific literature that Message draws on. Pretty much, unless you have a higher degree in one of the social sciences as well as experience in museum studies and/or art history, this book is going to be impossible to divine meaning from. And that's one thing, but it takes on a lot of ironic meaning when the author discusses Bourdieu and the tendency of the dominant class to impose their cultural taste onto the masses in public institutions. Unfortunately Message is trying so hard to do the most within the format of academic writing that she overuses many words (like ephemera) with the result of being numbingly repetitive, and rather obfuscates whatever she's trying to argue meaning by trying to tie in more theoretical points than is necessary. Like there are good points along the way, I just don't think it reads like a cohesive work.
The author is clearly extremely thoughtful, intelligent and has a fantastic viewpoint to share. I gave it 3 stars because her writing is so laborious... this is not pleasant to read. She does not make it easy. Definitely do not recommend for the layperson; do recommend for any museum professionals etc. but prepare yourself to slog through.
The author is clearly extremely thoughtful, intelligent and has a fantastic viewpoint to share. I gave it 3 stars because her writing is so laborious... this is not pleasant to read. She does not make it easy. Definitely do not recommend for the layperson; do recommend for any museum professionals etc. but prepare yourself to slog through.