From cinematic cyborgs and material girls to muscle men and aerobicizing women, this well-conceptualized anthology probes the body as a site of discipline, power, and resistance. In model introductory sections, Jessica Johnston not only clearly explicates postmodern theory without ignoring race, gender, or class differences, but also reveals the contested place of the body in contemporary American culture. Perfect for classroom use.

Eileen Boris, Hull Professor of Feminist Studies, University of California Santa Barbara

The American Body in Context drives home the importance of ideas about the body, in what the body is as well as how it is perceived. This is a forceful contribution to contemporary and historical understandings, and it raises the question: Once we know about cultural determinations, what can or should we do about them?

Peter N. Stearns

A powerful insight into American society from the standpoint of the body. The American Body in Context offers a comprehensive and compelling overview of recent literature on body and embodiment in modern culture. Jessica Johnston has assembled a glittering array of contributions to the literature on body and culture that provides a definitive statement of the field of inquiry in sociology and cultural studies.

Bryan S. Turner, University of Cambridge

An exciting exploration of the important and disturbing issues that emerge when the American body is considered in its contemporary cultural and social contexts. A series of mind-bending essays is nicely balanced by Jessica Johnston's intelligent and insightful commentary. I highly recommend this provocative and engaging anthology.

John L. Caughey, University of Maryland, College Park