On Tarzan
Exploring the cultural significance of a legendary character
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of Georgia Press
Published:15th Oct '08
Should be back in stock very soon
This book provides an insightful exploration of the Tarzan phenomenon, examining its cultural significance and the contradictions within the character's legacy in On Tarzan.
In On Tarzan, Alex Vernon explores the enduring legacy of one of literature's most iconic characters. He examines the various iterations of Tarzan through books, films, comics, and even merchandise, providing a comprehensive look at how this figure has been shaped and reshaped over the decades. From the original tales by Edgar Rice Burroughs to modern adaptations, Vernon investigates the cultural significance of Tarzan and the myriad ways in which he has been interpreted by different audiences.
The book delves into the complexities of Tarzan's character, highlighting the contradictions inherent in his story. Vernon discusses themes of colonialism, identity, and the male experience, as well as the character's duality as both a noble hero and a symbol of racial tensions. The analysis extends beyond the narrative itself to include Tarzan's impact on popular culture, showcasing how this character has been embraced and critiqued across generations.
As the centennial of Tarzan's creation nears, On Tarzan serves as a timely reflection on the ape-man's relevance in contemporary society. It offers readers a thought-provoking examination of how a fictional character can encapsulate broader societal themes, making it an essential read for anyone interested in literature, culture, and the evolution of iconic figures in media.
On Tarzan is an elegantly written foray into the cultural jungle that has grown up around Tarzan.
* editor of Brother Men: The Correspondence of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Herbert T. Weston *On Tarzan is a wonderful read . . . a great introduction to cultural studies, to American studies, and also to the 'American Century.' The book hinges neatly on Vernon's continual discovery of paradox and/or contradiction both within relevant contexts (gender, sexuality, colonialism, etc.) and across them.
* author of Sedaris *On Tarzan is an intelligent, revelatory, meditative series of essays on the place of Tarzan within Western culture. Vernon demonstrates a remarkable grasp of the wide range of disciplines that contribute to this book, including history, psychology, and film theory. The writing is so thoughtful and daring that Vernon seems to be breaking new ground in cultural studies.
On Tarzan is a highbrow romp through a lowbrow craze that influenced both Amos Oz and Gore Vidal. It is a study that deserves to be influential in its own right.
On Tarzan consistently lodges its analysis within the context of the time that these pop culture artifacts were produced. Tarzan plots revolve around cultural imperialism, American capitalism, miscegenation, problematic portrayals of ethnicity and gender, and orgies of violence replacing sexual love. While Vernon rigorously debates these controversies, he refrains from criticizing in the vein of 20 – 20 hindsight; he allows the texts to be seen in their natural, historical habitat.
ISBN: 9780820332055
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 18mm
Weight: 354g
240 pages