Exploring the Macabre, Malevolent, and Mysterious

Exploring the Macabre, Malevolent, and Mysterious

Author: Matthew Hodge

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2020-09-28

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1527560058

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In this unique volume, a number of scholars spanning diverse areas and backgrounds offer fresh insight into how perceived concepts of horror and dark subject matter influence cultures and societies around the world. The contributions here explore how topics considered disturbing, mysterious, or fascinating are found not only in works of fiction and entertainment, but also in the cultural fabrics, belief systems, artistic creations, and even governmental structures of societies. Topics discussed in this book include witchcraft, voodoo, zombies, spiritualism, serial killers, monsters, cemeteries, pop culture entertainment, and the sublime in transcendental experiences. As the academic study of horror becomes more mainstream, collections such as this are instrumental in realizing just how much it impacts our lives—past, present, future, and imaginary. Thus, this volume of intriguing and profound topics offers scholars, students, and lovers of learning a much-needed fresh and innovative intellectual exploration of the horror genre and the cultural fascination with the mysterious unknown.


The Expanse and Philosophy

The Expanse and Philosophy

Author: Jeffery L. Nicholas

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-10-19

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 111975562X

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Enter The Expanse to explore questions of the meaning of human life, the concept of justice, and the nature of humanity, featuring a foreword from author James S.A. Corey The Expanse and Philosophy investigates the philosophical universe of the critically acclaimed television show and Hugo Award-winning series of novels. Original essays by a diverse international panel of experts illuminate how essential philosophical concepts relate to the meticulously crafted world of The Expanse, engaging with topics such as transhumanism, belief, culture, environmental ethics, identity, colonialism, diaspora, racism, reality, and rhetoric. Conceiving a near-future solar system colonized by humanity, The Expanse provokes a multitude of moral, ethical, and philosophical queries: Are Martians, Outer Planets inhabitants, and Earthers different races? Is Marco Inaros a terrorist? Can people who look and sound different, like Earthers and Belters, ever peacefully co-exist? Should science be subject to moral rules? Who is sovereign in space? What is the relationship between human progress and aggression? The Expanse and Philosophy helps you answer these questions—and many more. Covers the first six novels in The Expanse series and five seasons of the television adaptation Addresses the philosophical issues that emerge from socio-economics and geopolitics of Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance Offers fresh perspectives on the themes, characters, and storylines of The Expanse Explores the connections between The Expanse and thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, Locke, Hannah Arendt, Wittgenstein, Descartes, and Nietzsche Part of the popular Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, The Expanse and Philosophy is a must-have companion for avid readers of James S.A. Corey’s novels and devotees of the television series alike.


A Critical Companion to Julie Taymor

A Critical Companion to Julie Taymor

Author: Matthew Hodge

Publisher: Lexington Books

Published: 2023-12-12

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 1666936693

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A Critical Companion to Julie Taymor is the most updated and holistic volume on the director currently published. Situating Taymor’s work within the intersections of story and spectacle, contributors to this collection examine issues of creativity, gender, sexuality, and adaptation by focusing on themes from Taymor’s oeuvre including martyrdom, musicality, fidelity, postmodern representations, feminism and queerness, identity, desire, trauma, revenge, hybridity, and obscenity. The result reveals Julie Taymor to be a globally-influenced American director who exhibits and exemplifies the authentic artistry of ingenious storytelling and deserves scholarly attention. This work will be of particular interest to scholars of film, philosophy, popular culture, gender, feminisms, and queer identities.


“A Hero Will Endure”: Essays at the Twentieth Anniversary of 'Gladiator'

“A Hero Will Endure”: Essays at the Twentieth Anniversary of 'Gladiator'

Author: Rachel L. Carazo

Publisher: Vernon Press

Published: 2023-05-16

Total Pages: 395

ISBN-13: 1648896596

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This volume adds to previous historical and political studies about 'Gladiator' with essays about the movie’s relation to pop culture and contemporary discourses. It not only relates 'Gladiator' to traditional cinema aspects such as heroism, music, acting, studio culture, and visual effects, but it also connects the film to sports, religion, and the environment, expanding the ways in which the film can be evaluated by modern audiences. The volume can be read by individuals or in classroom settings, especially as a recommended text for students studying the ancient world in film.


Cross-Cultural Influences between Japanese and American Pop Cultures

Cross-Cultural Influences between Japanese and American Pop Cultures

Author: Kendra N. Sheehan

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2023-05-26

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13: 1527512827

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This collection features examinations of popular culture, including manga, music, film, cosplay, and literature, among other topics. Using interdisciplinary sources and analyses, this collection adds to the global discussion and relevancy of Japanese popular culture. This collection serves to highlight the work of multidisciplinary scholars who offer fresh perspectives of ongoing cross-cultural and cyclical influences that are commonly found between the US and Japan. Notably, this collection considers the relationships that have influenced Japanese popular culture, and how this has, in turn, influenced the Western world.


Analyzing Adventure Time

Analyzing Adventure Time

Author: Paul A. Thomas

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2023-07-20

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1476678588

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In 2010, Cartoon Network debuted a new animated series called Adventure Time, and within just a few short years the show became both a pop culture phenomenon and a critical darling. But despite all the admiration, not many works of scholarship have assessed the show through a critical lens. This anthology is an attempt to fill this scholarly oversight and spark a wider conversation about the show's deeper themes. Across 15 scholarly essays, this book's contributors study Adventure Time from a variety of angles, proving just how insightful the series really is. From a consideration of BMO's queer identity to a psychoanalytic reading of Lemongrab and an examination of how anime has impacted the show, the topics explored in this anthology are diverse and unique and are likely to appeal to scholars and fans alike.


Beware The Silence: 560+ Horror Classics, Macabre Tales & Supernatural Mysteries

Beware The Silence: 560+ Horror Classics, Macabre Tales & Supernatural Mysteries

Author: Wilhelm Hauff

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-11-19

Total Pages: 13819

ISBN-13:

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Beware The Silence: 560+ Horror Classics, Macabre Tales & Supernatural Mysteries is a monumental anthology that showcases the evolution and diversity of horror and supernatural literature. Spanning centuries of literary contributions, this collection presents an unparalleled variety of styles, from the gothic horror of Mary Shelley to the psychological terror of H.P. Lovecraft, and the cosmic dread of Algernon Blackwood. It reflects a broad spectrum of themes such as the human psyche, existential dread, and the supernatural, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the genres development. Standout pieces within this collection underscore the rich tapestry of fear and curiosity that defines horror literature, making it a significant compilation for both scholars and enthusiasts alike. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology are titans in the literary world, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the theme of horror and supernatural mysteries. The collection aligns with various historical, cultural, and literary movements, showcasing the genre's adaptability and resilience through different epochs. From the romanticism of Edgar Allan Poe to the modernist ambiguities of Ambrose Bierce, and the pioneering science fiction horror of H.G. Wells, the anthology is a testament to the genres ability to evolve while exploring the depths of human fear, curiosity, and imagination. Together, these authors weave a complex narrative that transcends the simply macabre, inviting readers to ponder the human condition and the unknown. Beware The Silence offers readers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of horror and supernatural mysteries. It is an invitation to explore the shadows of literature, where the echoes of centuries-old fears, desires, and uncertainties resonate with contemporary readers. This anthology is not only an academic treasure trove for students and scholars of literary studies but also a labyrinth of terror and wonder for the lay reader. Each page turn promises to enrich ones understanding of the genre, providing a panoramic view of its historical evolution and the myriad ways it continues to captivate the imagination. For anyone eager to delve into the abyss of horror literature, this collection serves as both a comprehensive guide and a thrilling companion.


UNKNOWN The Slasher

UNKNOWN The Slasher

Author: Bradley Talmadge Livingston

Publisher:

Published: 2024-01-19

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Embark on a harrowing journey into the shadows of criminal history with "Unknown: The Slasher." This gripping work of fiction unravels the twisted minds of the world's most infamous serial killers, blurring the lines between reality and the macabre. From Victorian London to the American Midwest, witness the convergence of sinister forces as fictionalized characters leave their indelible mark on the annals of crime. As the Slasher's saga unfolds, a mysterious puppeteer emerges, orchestrating the movements of malevolent figures like a conductor shaping a symphony of horror. Who is the puppet master pulling the strings, and what dark purpose lies behind this chilling amalgamation of stories? "Unknown: The Slasher" is authoritative in its research yet boundlessly imaginative. This gripping novel taps into the collective fear that lingers in the shadows, crafting a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, shocking revelation. Are you ready to confront the demons of the past? "Unknown: The Slasher" invites you to unlock the secrets behind the world's most infamous serial killers as fiction and reality collide in a tale that will haunt your dreams and linger in your thoughts long after the final page is turned. Brace yourself for an unparalleled exploration into the unknown.