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
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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.

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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.

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