Villainy in Western Culture

Historical Archetypes of Danger, Disorder and Death

Nonfiction, History, World History, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book Villainy in Western Culture by M. Gregory Kendrick, McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M. Gregory Kendrick ISBN: 9781476625331
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Publication: March 1, 2016
Imprint: Language: English
Author: M. Gregory Kendrick
ISBN: 9781476625331
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication: March 1, 2016
Imprint:
Language: English

Every society has its lineup of wicked, unethical characters—real or fictional—who are regarded as villainous. This book explores how Western societies have used villains to sort insiders from outsiders and establish behavioral norms to support harmony and well-being. There are three parts: nature and “barbarians” as sinister “others” bent on destroying Western civilization; tyrants, traitors and “femmes fatales” as challenges to ideals of legitimate governance, patriotism and gender roles; and gangsters, grifters and murderers as models of evil or unprincipled behavior. The author also discusses two related phenomena: the dramatic paring down of what is considered villainous in the West, and the proliferation of over-the-top villains in pop culture and mass media. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Every society has its lineup of wicked, unethical characters—real or fictional—who are regarded as villainous. This book explores how Western societies have used villains to sort insiders from outsiders and establish behavioral norms to support harmony and well-being. There are three parts: nature and “barbarians” as sinister “others” bent on destroying Western civilization; tyrants, traitors and “femmes fatales” as challenges to ideals of legitimate governance, patriotism and gender roles; and gangsters, grifters and murderers as models of evil or unprincipled behavior. The author also discusses two related phenomena: the dramatic paring down of what is considered villainous in the West, and the proliferation of over-the-top villains in pop culture and mass media. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

More books from McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Cover of the book Reimagining the Soul by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal Music by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Prisoners of War at Dartmoor by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book McClellan and the Union High Command, 1861-1863 by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Secrets of Great Teachers by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Kid Nichols by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Femme Noir by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book John Deere Snowmobiles by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Television Specials by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book The Tropes of Fantasy Fiction by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Bibb Falk by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book The Zombie Movie Encyclopedia, Volume 2: 2000-2010 by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Video Gaming in Science Fiction by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book The Elusive Thomas Jefferson by M. Gregory Kendrick
Cover of the book Nonviolent Response to Terrorism by M. Gregory Kendrick
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy