House of Cards: Monsters in Politics

House of Cards explores Machiavellian themes such as what would happen if the Prince were a ferocious animal or if vampires took over the political world. It is written accessibly and didactically, with examples from the series and novels, and will appeal to an academic and general audience interested in politics, political thrillers, corruption, and democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

House of Cards, a television series that appears to revolve around politics, delves into profound and subversive questions raised by Machiavellian writings. What if the Prince were a ferocious animal? What would happen if vampires took over our political world? Would they be able to control their bloodthirsty instincts or would they remain true to their inherent nature?

In their relentless pursuit of power, Frank Underwood, his wife Claire, and his chief of staff Doug Stamper cross all boundaries between good and evil. They operate under a Machiavellian logic that prioritizes the specific necessity of a given situation over common morality. In this survival-driven world, these individuals become predators, willing to do whatever it takes to emerge victorious, regardless of the cost.

This book explores how the producers of the series bring monstrous characters, typically found in crime series or horror films, into the realm of politics. The political sphere, characterized by its lack of resistance to violence and its transformation into a laboratory for systematic destruction, becomes the perfect setting for crime to thrive.

While the book incorporates concepts and theories from political science, it is written in a accessible and didactic manner. Numerous examples from the series and novels are used to illustrate the analysis, ensuring that the reader always understands the stakes involved. This book will appeal to both an academic and a broader audience, including fans of the show.

The primary academic readership will consist of scholars and students studying law, political science, film studies, media studies, and cultural studies. The wider readership will include enthusiasts of the series, as well as anyone interested in exploring the intersection of politics, violence, and morality.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789385076
Edition number: New ed