Beginning in 1976 with the first issue of the journal Studies in Medievalism, all things medieval and the concept of medievalism became a hot topic in culture studies. Medievalism examines how different groups, individuals, or eras use and shape the image of the Middle Ages, differentiating between historical knowledge of the Middle Ages and what we have made the period out to be. The 13 essays in this book explore the medieval invasion of today's media and consider the various ways--from film and print to websites and video games--that the Middle Ages have been packaged for consumption. Essays encompass diverse theoretical perspectives and are grouped loosely around distinct functions of medievalism, including the exposure of recent social concerns; the use of medieval images in modern political contexts; and the medieval's influence on products of today's popular culture. The legitimization of the study of medievalism and the effect of medievalism on the more traditional subject of medieval studies are also discussed.

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About the Author
David W. Marshall attended the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of York, England, where he completed an M.A., before earning a doctorate in English at Indiana University. He works as an assistant professor of English at California State University, San Bernardino.

Reviews
"an admirable job of selecting essays that cover different media...the essays talk to one another in interesting ways...thought provoking...an inaugural work in popular medievalism...intriguing new directions...for the study of medievalism in popular culture"-Arthuriana; "essential"-Journal of American Studies of Turkey; "fascinating insights"-Academia.edu.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786429226
Author David W. Marshall
Format Paperback
Page Count 215
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 295g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 11mm