In 1977, Star Wars blazed across the screen to become one of the highest grossing and most beloved movies of all time, spawning an unprecedented merchandising phenomenon. It was followed by two sequels and three prequels, all of which became blockbusters. Comic books, novels, graphic novels, and magazines devoted to the films added to the mythology of George Lucas's creation. Despite the impact of the franchise on popular culture, however, discussion of the films from a scholarly perspective has not kept pace with the films. In Sex, Politics, and Religion in Star Wars: An Anthology, Douglas Brode and Leah Deyneka have assembled a provocative collection of essays exploring some of the more intriguing aspects of the Star Wars phenomenon. Contributors to the volume tackle such hot topics as race and racism in the Star Wars galaxy, Judeo-Christian and Eastern religious themes, homosexual romance, and philosophical and political implications-both earthbound and otherworldly. These essays interpret the Star Wars universe from a variety of perspectives-including feminist and Freudian-offering insights from writers who bring a new passion to the subject. A companion volume to Myth, Media, and Culture in Star Wars, Sex, Politics, and Religion in Star Wars is an authoritative anthology incorporating scholarly analysis with engaging insights. It will engross readers, both fans and scholars alike.
About the AuthorDouglas Brode teaches popular culture at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Our Lady of the Lake University (also in San Antonio). He has published more than 35 books, including Rod Sterling and The Twilight Zone (2009). Leah Deyneka holds a master's degree in 19th-century literature from King's College, London, and has written extensively on literature, film, media, and popular culture.
ReviewsThese titles will be of interest to Star Wars fans and popular culture scholars alike. They provide and interesting and scholarly view of the series and insight into our culture's feelings on politics, religion, media, and gender issues. * American Reference Books Annual *
[T]his volume with 13 essays offers fresh and mostly entertaining content. . . [The] text on the strong rootedness of Jedi wisdom in eastern religions [was enjoyable]. . . Furthermore, the essay on transcendentalism and The Force is very enlightening, too. * Popcultureshelf.com *
[T]his is a very entertaining study of the films. * Filmwerk *
Book InformationISBN 9780810885141
Author Douglas BrodeFormat Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Scarecrow PressPublisher Scarecrow Press
Weight(grams) 458g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 159mm * 19mm