literary criticism

"The sweeping story of cartoons, comic strips, and graphic novels and their century-long hold on the American imagination. Starting with the Civil War and cartoonist Thomas Nast, creator of the lasting images of Uncle Sam and Santa Claus, author Jeremy Dauber whizzes readers through comics' progress in the twentieth century and beyond: from the golden age of newspaper comic strips (Krazy Kat, Yellow Kid, Dick Tracy) to the midcentury superhero boom (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman); from the moral panic of the Eisenhower era to the underground comix movement; from the grim and gritty Dark Knights and Watchmen to the graphic novel's brilliant rise (Art Spiegelman, Alison Bechdel, Joe Sacco). Dauber's story shows not only how comics have changed, but how American politics and history have changed them. Throughout, he describes the origins of beloved comics, champions neglected masterpieces, and argues that we can understand how America sees itself through whose stories comics tell"--Provided by publisher.

A look at Karl Marx and how his fascination with the devil influenced Marxism and his political writings. Examines Marx's antagonism to organized religion, particularly the Catholic Church.

"This . . . study examines the truth behind the myths and misconceptions that defined the American Civil War, as portrayed through the popular literary works of the time. This book outlines . . . events and developments and provides context for the historical period and work, aligns with Common Core standards in English language arts and social studies, discusses six major writers of the Civil War Era, [and] gives readers insight into how literature and other art forms reflect the social conditions and are inspired by events of the time"--Provided by publisher.

A response to our fractured political discourse, Hobbit Virtues speaks to the importance of "virtue ethics" by examining the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien--with particular attention to his hobbits. Tolkien's works resonate with so many readers in part because Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin demonstrate Classical, Judeo-Christian, Medieval, and even Hindu and Confucian virtues. Tolkien ennobles the small, the humble, and the marginalized in his Middle-earth writings and presents leaders who are hesitant to exercise power, are courteous, and value wisdom and learning. Each chapter in Hobbit Virtues consists of a wide-ranging discussion of a single virtue, exemplified by a character in Middle-earth, explaining its philosophical or theological roots and how the virtue is still relevant in a modern democracy.

In-depth critical discussions of the controversial play by Arthur Miller - Plus complimentary, unlimited online access to the full content of this great literary reference. This volume offers diverse perspectives on one of Arthur Miller's most popular, most controversial and most frequently staged plays. The volume situates the play within many different contexts--historical, critical, literary, biographical, social, cultural, and others.

A critical analysis of the poetry of English poet and playwright Robert Browning.