Mediating War and Identity: Figures of Transgression in 20th- and 21st-century War Representation Lisa Purse (Associate Professor in Film, University of Reading) 9781474446266

In state and public discussion about war and conflict, figures of transgression such as deserters, pacifist and emigrants are often marginalised, but they also play a key role in rethinking cultural and national identity in the wake of military violence. Raising questions of agency, responsibility and culpability in relation to the 'other', their cultural representation can enable reflection on and renegotiation of values and collective norms after the destabilisation of war. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this collection analyses the depiction of these transgressive figures in a variety of visual media, as well as the narrative, socio-cultural, political and historical contexts in which they emerge.

About the Author
Dr Lisa Purse is Associate Professor in Film in the Department of Film, Theatre & Television at the University of Reading. Dr Ute Wolfel is Lecturer in German Studies at the University of Reading

Reviews
This remarkable study illuminates the cultural imaginary of war in a fundamentally new way. Exploring the deep veins of resistance within a narrative frame dominated by symbols of consensus, the authors offer a wholly original reading of one of the most consequential genres of 20 and 21st century life. Timely and important. -- Robert Burgoyne, author of The Hollywood Historical Film



Book Information
ISBN 9781474446266
Author Lisa Purse
Format Hardback
Page Count 216
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 472g