American Plastic Paperback by Laurie Essig

Product Details

• Publisher: Beacon Press (2011-11-08)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 248 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780807003237
• Item Weight: 317.52 grams
• Dimensions: 20.98 x 13.36 x 1.83 cm

The story of how credit and cosmetic surgery have created a subprime mortgage crisis of the body.

In this provocative book, sociologist Laurie Essig traces the history of plastic surgery, tracks the effect of fashion and porn on our desire to "fix" ourselves, and explores our image- and youth-obsessed culture. In over two hundred interviews of plastic surgeons and surgery recipients, Essig creates an unforgettable portrait of contemporary America. American Plastic is a powerful and original commentary on the relationship between cosmetic surgery, credit, and culture.

About the Author

Laurie Essig teaches sociology at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. She has written for a variety of publications, including Legal Affairs, Salon, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Essig's blog, Class Warfare, at True/Slant, applies critical theory from the classroom to the news of the day.