The Middle Ages in Modern Culture
History and Authenticity in Contemporary Medievalism
Contributor(s)
Alvestad, Karl (editor)
Houghton, Robert (editor)
Collection
Knowledge Unlatched (KU)Number
105681Language
EnglishAbstract
This open access book brings together an international team of experts, The Middle Ages in Modern Culture considers the use of medieval models across a variety of contemporary media – ranging from television and film to architecture – and the significance of deploying an authentic medieval world to these representations. Rooted in this question of authenticity, this interdisciplinary study addresses three connected themes. Firstly, how does historical accuracy relate to authenticity, and whose version of authenticity is accepted? Secondly, how are the middle ages presented in modern media and why do inaccuracies emerge and persist in these works? Thirdly, how do creators of modern content attempt to produce authentic medieval environments, and what are the benefits and pitfalls of accurate portrayals? The result is nuanced study of medieval culture which sheds new light on the use (and misuse) of medieval history in modern media.
Keywords
Literary Criticism; Medieval; Social Science; Popular CultureDOI
10.5040/9781350167452ISBN
9781788314787, 9781350167452, 9781350167476, 9781350167469Publisher
Bloomsbury AcademicPublisher website
https://www.bloomsbury.com/academic/Publication date and place
2021Grantor
Imprint
Bloomsbury AcademicClassification
Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval
Popular culture