Joss Whedon

This book explores Joss Whedon's contribution to US television and popular culture, examining his complex and contradictory roles as both cult outsider and blockbuster filmmaker. It offers unparalleled access to the creative process and re-invigorates television studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of Joss Whedon on US television and popular culture. Spanning from his early endeavors to his most recent tweets and activist videos, it explores the intricate and multifaceted roles he has played as both a cult outsider and a blockbuster filmmaker. Central to the book's approach is its insistence on the broader industrial, technological, political, and economic contexts that have shaped and been shaped by Whedon's work. It challenges the notion of Whedon as an isolated television auteur, instead emphasizing his interconnectedness with the larger world.

To achieve this, the book relies on a wealth of key source material, including exclusive access to drafts of numerous episodes across Whedon's career, as well as unique correspondence with Whedon collaborator Jane Espenson. This unparalleled access provides a deep insight into the creative process that contributed to the creation of iconic series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse, and Firefly.

Written in an energetic and engaging style, the book is grounded in rigorous scholarship and theoretical rigor. It appeals to both scholars and enthusiasts alike, serving as an essential addition to the study of Whedon and a timely and important re-invigoration of television studies in general. By examining the complex interplay between Whedon, his work, and the broader cultural landscape, this book offers a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of this influential filmmaker.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719077814