Popular Culture and History Series

Popular Culture and History Series

 

Can’t get enough Harry Potter? Do you miss Bella, Edward or even Jacob? A new book series called Wiley Pop Culture and History Series focuses on the relationship between prevalent pop culture phenomena and factual history. The contributing authors are some of the most respected experts in their disciplines, but the books are written to appeal to all readers. The series currently includes Twilight, Harry Potter and Star Wars. Although not yet published, another volume will be released, Star Trek and History, in April.

            Twilight and History (2010), edited by Nancy Reagin, examines different aspects of Stephenie Meyer’s famous trilogy about vampires and werewolves. Each chapter looks at different parts of the book and how it relates to history. For example, one section looks at the threat of the American Civil War through Jasper Hale, where another part looks at how vampires were viewed in European folklore, science and fiction. My favourite chapter is called “Carlisle Cullen and the Witch Hunts of Puritan London” by Janice Liedl where she compares the story of Carlisle Cullen to that of Matthew Hopkins, an infamous English witch-hunter. In this chapter Liedl examines both the similarities and differences between Cullen’s character and Hopkin’s real life in the 1600s. It is interesting to see how Meyer’s characters can be related so closely (or contrarily) to historical ideals.

            Harry Potter and History (2011) follows the same design as Twilight with the characters and plots compared to historical figures and events. This book looks at the history of potions, spells and charms in Europe. It compares J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to different aspects of European history including: the prosecutions of witches and the Statute of Secrecy; the real Nicholas Flamel (French scrivener and manuscript-seller); Anne Boleyn (King Henry VIII’s second wife) as a Squib; and the invention of books and quills. The chapter called Under the Eye of Madam Pince: Medieval Libraries and their Books by Alexandra Gillespie is particularly interesting – it reminds us that our local public libraries are great!

          

          Even though Star Wars took place in a galaxy far, far away, its stories are based on our own history! In Star Wars and History (2012), you learn how George Lucas’ famous films have roots in the histories of everything from Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire to the French Revolution to the Vietnam War. Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of this book is the collection of photographs from the Lucasfilm Image Archives and historical photos that help to show parallels between both worlds. This book takes the Star Wars series and examines different historical themes such as women in war and resistance, the causes and costs of civil war, the power of royal women and even nuclear weapons (and the Death Star). This is a great book for both Star Wars enthusiasts and historians alike.

A nice aspect of the series is that you do not have to be an expert in the particular popular culture phenomena in order to understand the books - anyone can enjoy them! Even if you are not a big fan of vampire books or space sagas, you can still enjoy learning about how the famous series can be compared to real history. It is a great way to encourage reading and learn more about history and pop culture.

As a side note, Janice Liedl was one of my all-time favourite profs in my academic career. She is the reason why I love the Tudors and the Stuarts... and my obsession with Elizabeth Tudor. So blame her! :)