Eigenvalue : on the gradual contraction of media in movement contemplating media in art

Eigenvalue provides the first history of 'eigenvalue' by building an important bridge between the hard and the soft sciences. Originally a mathematical term, Hanjo Berressem applies Eigenvalue, which roughly translates to proper value, to the media studies discipline for the first time, providing a philological history and line of development across the sciences through to contemporary cultural studies.

Berressem's groundbreaking work is organized into 2 books, with the first book broken down into six topical areas - mathematics, physics, cybernetics, biology, literary studies, cultural studies.

The second book discusses the place of eigenvalues in sound, light and literature, specifically, Alvin Lucier’s experimental composition “I am Sitting in a Room,” Bill Morrison’s eight-minute experimental film Light is Calling and the literary works of Thomas Pynchon.

Berressem's thought-provoking philology is an important reference point for readers seeking an authoritative introduction to a term that connects other key ideas in contemporary debate.