A prospective reader of Lee Edelman’s most recent book, Bad Education: Why Queer Theory Teaches Us Nothing, might assume that the text will spend the bulk of its pages breaking down the work of celebrated queer theorists in detail, from Judith Butler to Guy Hocquenghem. While Butler and Hocquenghem are referenced, the amount of space Edelman’s book spends with them and similar queer theorists is comparatively small. Based on the title, another prospective reader might hope for a book that discusses andragogy with regard to queer theory. In truth, this second individual would be largely disappointed by Edelman’s book, as it is far more abstract and philosophical than it is actionable for those working in higher education. However, while the book may not be what readers unfamiliar with Edelman’s work might expect, it is an intensely fascinating exploration of identity, society, and Lacanian theory.
Thankfully, Edelman clears up the...