Pathologies of Modern Space traces the rise of agoraphobia and ties its astonishing growth to the emergence of urban modernity. In contrast to traditional medical conceptions of the disorder; Kathryn Milun shows that this anxiety is closely related to the emergence of "empty urban space": homogenous space; such as malls and parking lots; stripped of memory and tactile features. Pathologies of Modern Space is a compelling cultural analysis of the history of medical treatments for agoraphobia and what they can tell us about the normative expectations for the public self in the modern city.
#3880123 in eBooks 2013-10-19 2013-10-19File Name: B00G14W430
Review
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful. A Son Loves His Mother...Who Happens to Be Audrey HepburnBy Ed UyeshimaIf there is a polar opposite to Christina Crawfords scathing poor-me memoir; "Mommie Dearest"; it has to be this loving tribute to Audrey Hepburn from her eldest son; Sean Hepburn Ferrer. Rather than being an exhaustive biography on the legendary film star (and enough of those exist anyway); it is more a very attractive coffee table book with remembrances from her colleagues; family friends and most importantly; Ferrer himself. It is a testament to Hepburn that all these books; especially this one; have been nothing less than respectful and at times downright reverential. There is no getting around the fact that she was well loved by those closest around her and certainly by her fans; me included. That she comes across as such a giving person merely validates what we all want to believe about her; and this becomes especially clear in Ferrers account of her later years making goodwill trips to Bangladesh; Ethiopia and Somalia on behalf of UNICEF. And while as a fan; I was disappointed about her long absences from films from the late sixties until her death in 1993; Ferrer makes it clear how important motherhood was to her and how imperative it was for her to stay at home with her sons during those years. Just from the treasure trove of family photos; this book clearly shows that her dedication to them was and continues to be reciprocated.The perspective of this book is understandably biased but fresh; and obviously Ferrers access to his mothers personal belongings - family snapshots; paintings and drawings done by her; even her passports - builds an intimate story. I have to admit I was taken aback by the more familiar photos of Hepburn during her Hollywood glory years (especially the glamorous Cecil Beaton pictures) and amazed at how lovely she continued to look in the professional photos taken a year or so before her death. Not surprisingly; the most moving part is Ferrers account of her final weeks when she took one last flight from California to what looks to be a most idyllic place; her home La Paisible in Switzerland. This should be the final word about her; but that is unlikely as she continues to fascinate. Somewhere Joan Crawford must be eating her heart out.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Most fitting title I have ever encountered! A wonderful book!By Edward LawrenceWow! This one would have been a shame to miss. I always strongly admired Miss A. Hepburn (and Miss K. Hepburn) and was saddened by her demise. Audrey was the opposite of the busty Hollywood stars such as Miss Monroe; who I also liked. I preferred Audreys class over the many crass others. Those eyes alone were enough to make a young male fascinated; and then there was her voice and grace. Back to this book; written by her son: Buy it. He writes his views in a simple; straightforward style that conveys information in a penetrating manner that itself is marvelous. No; memorable! Im nearing the end of the book now; and dont want it to end. It is a fitting tribute to an unforgettable woman who was truly "An Elegant Spirit." I can not top that title.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. She was such a kind gentle personality and there will never be a finer soul for UNICEF than Audrey HepburnBy janeke 46What an elegant spirit indeed. She was such a kind gentle personality and there will never be a finer soul for UNICEF than Audrey Hepburn.. Shetook on the ambassador role with reluctance; but I feel she was the best they ever had. Gone far too soon!