Image Critique and the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Sunil Manghani's "Image Critique and the Fall of the Berlin Wall" examines the use of visual image, using the event of the fall of the Berlin Wall as a contemporary case study. The book presents a new critical visual theory: image critique - a dual procedure combining a focus on both analysing and interpreting images, with a consideration of how images can be used to critically examine and engage with our contemporary culture. Manghani's interdisciplinary approach is complimented by a vast array of sources, including illustrative visual images, creating an accessible and lively debate. Manghani examines current debates surrounding visual culture, ranging from such topics as Francis Fukuyama's end of history thesis to metapictures and East German film. The result is an exhilarating interweaving of history, politics, and visual culture. It presents an image-based approach to critical theory. It provides a rich interplay of text and image. It offers a large number of images and stills. Whilst much has been written about Berlin and the Berlin Wall (mostly in the context of WWII or German reunification), this publication is the first to focus specifically on the media angle of the event, and its significance and influence in the development of political debate.