Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault

In 'Discipline and Punish,' Michel Foucault delves into the history of Western penal methods, tracing their development from the seventeenth century to the modern era. He argues that prisons do not merely punish criminals but also define and perpetuate crime, serving as instruments of social control. The book is a seminal work in the field of philosophy and critical theory, offering a profound critique of the power structures embedded in our justice systems. /n/n Foucault's meticulous research and incisive analysis reveal how punishment has evolved from public spectacles to the hidden mechanisms of modern prisons. This thought-provoking exploration questions the very foundations of our penal institutions and their role in society, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of power, knowledge, and social control.

Reviews

journals.sagepub.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21

profound 4.50

The review discusses Michel Foucault's 'Discipline and Punish' as a seminal work that explores the evolution of punishment and the rise of modern disciplinary institutions. It highlights Foucault's argument that power is not just repressive but productive, shaping individuals and societies in profound ways.

Michel Foucault's 'Discipline and Punish' is a groundbreaking work that delves into the transformation of punishment from public spectacles to more subtle, institutionalized forms of control. The book argues that modern societies have developed sophisticated mechanisms of discipline, such as prisons, schools, and hospitals, which function to regulate and normalize behavior. Foucault's analysis is not just about the history of punishment but also about the broader implications of power and knowledge in shaping human behavior. The review emphasizes that Foucault's ideas are still relevant today, as they provide a critical lens through which to view contemporary issues of surveillance, control, and social order. The book's insights are particularly valuable in understanding how power operates in everyday life, influencing everything from personal habits to societal norms.

Quick quotes

Foucault's analysis is both profound and unsettling

The book's insights are particularly valuable in understanding how power operates in everyday life

Foucault's ideas are still relevant today

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21

mediocre 2.60

The Poppy War is a debut novel by R.F. Kuang that blends detailed world-building with graphic war horror, making it unsuitable for young adults. The story follows Rin, a war orphan who overcomes adversity to attend a prestigious military school, but the book struggles to balance its themes and pacing, leaving some readers bored by excessive information dumps.

The Poppy War is a complex and ambitious debut novel by R.F. Kuang, set in a world inspired by Chinese history. The story revolves around Rin, a war orphan who defies her abusive step-parents to attend Sinegard Academy, a prestigious military school. The novel's strength lies in its detailed world-building and well-crafted prose, reflecting the author's background in history. However, the book struggles to find its narrative focus, jumping between YA and graphic war horror. The excessive information dumps about the Nikara Empire's history can be overwhelming, and the pacing feels uneven. Additionally, the graphic depictions of violence, torture, and other disturbing themes make it unsuitable for young adults. While the novel has its moments of quirkiness and humor, the overall experience is marred by its inability to balance its ambitious scope with a compelling story.

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This is not a YA novel. Despite the fact that Rin is a young woman, this story delves into subject matter that is significantly beyond what we should be feeding our teenagers.

The world that Rin lives in has a continual history of war and violence that inundates so very much of their lives.

THE POPPY WAR has trouble deciding what it wants to be. It jumps between YA and graphic war horror, building the world more than relaying a compelling story

londonreviewbookshop.co.uk · Unknown · 2020-04-09

brilliant 4.50

The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang is a gritty, unflinching exploration of war, power, and the complexities of its protagonist, Rin. The series is praised for its detailed world-building, character development, and unapologetic portrayal of the brutalities of war, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang stands out as a unique and intense military fantasy that delves deep into the horrors of war and the intricate character of Rin. The series is lauded for its vivid and unflinching depiction of war, from its gruesome battles to the strategic maneuvers and the aftermath of genocide. Kuang's thorough world-building and character development make the series a rich and engaging experience. The protagonist, Rin, is a complex and controversial figure, whose journey from an outspoken and impulsive young woman to a powerful and morally ambiguous figure is both fascinating and unsettling. Despite her many flaws, Rin's story is compelling, and the series as a whole is a powerful exploration of power, autonomy, and the human condition.

Quick quotes

Kuang does not hold back when it comes to depicting war, from its ugly battles and gore to the aftermath of genocide, to strategy and the struggles of the militia.

The series’ prose, character development and world-building throughout are superb.

Rin is complicated; you aren’t going to root for her. You are going to hate her, but you are going to enjoy the books nonetheless.

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