Psychogeography by Merlin Coverley
In this book Coverley discusses the various practices relating to this theory, he highlights the literary tradition of London writers, such as William blake, Daniel Defoe and Thomas de Quincey, who’s work acts as a precursor to Debord’s definition of psychogeography in the 1950s. This literature brings to light that psychogeography is essentially a tale of two cities, London and Paris. Although the definition of psychogeography can be quite vague and spans a variety of ideas Coverley outlines predominant characteristics that ties everything together. The first is simply the activity of walking. Different eras and movements assign different names; the Flanuer, the Wanderer, the stroller, yet the act of walking is consistent. This practice within psychogeography is commonly analysed through the exploration of cities, which are becoming increasingly hostile to the humble pedestrian. At it’s nature, walking stands contrary to the fast paced movement of the modern city. Psychogeographers realise how we can challenge the official representation of a city on foot, by cutting across established routes and exploring areas that are often overlooked. There is also an undertone of political opposition ever present in the practices of psychogeography. This can be seen within the protests of 1960s Paris or the more contemporary work of London psychogeographers, including Stewart Home and Iain Sinclair, whose work criticises the governance of London. Another key characteristic of phsychogeography is the search for new ways of apprehending our environment. Psychogeographers have established a desire to overcome the processes of “banalisation”, a need to not allow our everyday experience become drab and monotonous. This is most prominent within literature, and in particular the literary tradition of London writing. Writers such as Blake, de Quincey and Robert Louis Stevenson share their perception of the city, depicting it as one of mystery and intrigue.