One of the bestselling novels of all time, The Great Gatsby is also considered one of the most significant achievements in twentieth-century fiction. In Gatsby: The Cultural History of the Great American Novel, Bob Batchelor explores the birth, life, and enduring influence of The Great Gatsby
American Science Fiction and the Roots of Postmodernism, 1946-1964
Focusing on the golden age of American science fiction in the 1950s, this book explores key novels and films from 1946 to 1964, a time marked by Cold War tensions. It highlights how these works reflect societal anxieties, particularly through themes of alien invasion and nuclear holocaust, paralleling the insights of contemporary social and cultural critics. The analysis reveals the profound impact of the era's geopolitical climate on the genre, showcasing the interplay between fiction and the fears of the time.
This text introduces the Caribbean anglophone novel to students. schovat popis
The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Science Fiction literature, featuring a detailed chronology and an introductory essay that contextualizes the genre's evolution. With over 300 cross-referenced entries, it serves as an extensive reference guide, highlighting key authors, works, themes, and significant developments within the genre. An extensive bibliography further enriches the reader's understanding and provides resources for further study, making it an essential tool for enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Exploring over 50 years of science fiction cinema, this book delves into its significance as a major American film genre. It highlights how these films have mirrored crucial themes and societal concerns, offering insights into the cultural evolution of America. By examining the intersection of science fiction and societal developments, the narrative provides a comprehensive understanding of both the genre and the historical context it has emerged from.
Exploring the evolution of American national myths, this book examines how narratives of adventure, individual heroism, and cultural icons reflect societal values and aspirations. It highlights figures like Christ, Shane, and Superman, who embody savior qualities, often appealing to youth. Additionally, it considers more relatable heroes, such as hardboiled detectives, who confront evil in everyday contexts. By analyzing these fantasies, the work seeks to uncover insights into contemporary American identity and the aspirations that shape it.
Exploring the influence of postmodernism on American culture, this volume delves into its significant presence in cinema. It examines how films like Pulp Fiction, Mulholland Drive, and Marie Antoinette embody themes of fragmentation, musical integration, and pastiche. The book is divided into four sections that provide an accessible overview of postmodernist elements in film, highlighting its impact on everyday life and media, making it a vital resource for understanding this cultural phenomenon.
Exploring the cultural significance of a renowned television series, this book delves into themes such as evolving gender roles, family dynamics, and workplace relationships in the context of the American experience. It highlights how audiences connect with quality television to shape their identities and understand their lives, reflecting on the past while navigating contemporary issues.
Okonkwo è un guerriero, un lottatore, un uomo ambizioso e rispettato che sogna di divenire leader indiscusso del suo clan. Dal suo villaggio Ibo, in Nigeria, la fama di Okonkwo si è diffusa come un incendio in tutto il continente. Ma Okonkwo ha anche un carattere fiero, ostinato: non vuole essere come suo padre, molle e sentimentale, lui è deciso a non mostrare mai alcuna debolezza, alcuna emozione, se non attraverso l’uso della forza. Quando la sua comunità è costretta a fronteggiare l’irruzione degli europei, l’ordine delle cose in cui Okonkwo è nato e cresciuto comincia a crollare, e la sua reazione sarà solo il principio di una parabola che lo porterà nella polvere: da guerriero temuto e venerato, a eroe sconfitto, oltraggiato. Le cose crollano, il primo libro della trilogia che ha consegnato Chinua Achebe alla fama internazionale – in corso di pubblicazione presso La nave di Teseo in una nuova traduzione – è unanimemente considerato il suo capolavoro, capace di intrecciare nella stessa vicenda due storie diverse: quella personale di Okonkwo e quella più ampia dello scontro fra due religioni e civiltà. Nella scrittura di Achebe, interprete di una grande tradizione letteraria, i conflitti ancestrali fra individuo e comunità dialogano con i percorsi accidentati della storia, le cui conseguenze investono ancora il mondo in cui viviamo.
Fifteen short stories evoke the character, atmosphere, and people of the Irish city of Dublin at the turn of the century
