A Theory of Semiotics (Advances in Semiotics)
by Umberto Eco

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Book Reviews of A Theory of Semiotics (Advances in Semiotics)

Book Review: Symbols: Development of a Methodology of Communication
Summary: 5 Stars

Like Roland Barthes, Eco starts from the foundations of semiotics in Saussure (Course in General Linguistics: who developed the idea of sign-systems and the sign/signified distinction, as well as the distinction between langue/parole - language and speech) and Claude Levi-Strauss (Structural Anthropology). Yet Eco surpasses this tradition to move into new territory, recognizing the limits to structuralism and Saussure's ideas. He recognizes, for example, that meaning is not merely governed by structure, but also interactively constructed by the reader/interpreter, who often inserts or fills-in missing meaning to construct a coherent picture.

Those interested in an introductory work to this fascinating field should be pointed to Eco's work "Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language" which is easier to start with.

Summary of A Theory of Semiotics (Advances in Semiotics)

"... the greatest contribution to [semiotics] since the pioneering work of C. S. Peirce and Charles Morris." ?Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism

"... draws on philosophy, linguistics, sociology, anthropology and aesthetics and refers to a wide range of scholarship... raises many fascinating questions." ?Language in Society

"... a major contribution to the field of semiotic studies." ?Robert Scholes, Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism

"... the most significant text on the subject published in the English language that I know of." ?Arthur Asa Berger, Journal of Communication

Eco's treatment demonstrates his mastery of the field of semiotics. It focuses on the twin problems of the doctrine of signs?communication and signification?and offers a highly original theory of sign production, including a carefully wrought typology of signs and modes of production.

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