Beyoncé in the World

"The lyrical writing in these essays combines the classic intersections of race, gender and sexuality with themes of international fandom, celebrity activism, and construction of colorism. This collection about Beyoncé illustrates the new Black feminist cool; it is central to any discussion about music and popular culture."—Naomi André, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement

"This book shows how Beyoncé captures the imagination and speaks to our moment. Beyoncé in the World explores a surprising range of topics that swirl around this era-defining performer, including her relation to global audiences, transgender and cis identities, intersectionality, sounding bodies, costuming and gesture, motherhood, the Southern gothic, neoliberalism, fierceness, selling out, political resistance, black utopias, and social media. Sensitively and expertly curated, this collection brings us closer not only to Beyoncé but to America. This is an inspiring book that should be essential reading."—Carol Vernallis, Department of Music, Stanford University

"Beyoncé in the World makes the argument for the necessity of Beyoncé studies inside and beyond the academy. With its careful attention to geography, the politics of black celebrity, reception, and the diasporic circulation of Knowles' music, style, and image, this volume offers a model for complex and rigorous cultural studies. Grounded in close readings and careful visual analyses, Beyoncé in the World offers innovative theoretical and methodological tools for the study of black feminist cultural production."—Jennifer C. Nash, author of Black Feminism Reimagined