Ninth Art. Bande dessinee, Books and the Gentrification of Mass Culture, 1964-1975

This book explores the unique position of comics in French culture, examining how the emergence of large hardback books, known as albums, in the early 1960s transformed the industry and gained acceptance among other literary narratives. It analyzes the impact of these albums on creating, distributing, and reading comics, as well as their effects on the market, readership, transmedia adaptations, critical discourse, and the birth of new comics fandom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In France, comics are widely recognized as the ninth art, a unique form of artistic expression. This captivating book delves into the profound significance of viewing comics as a form of art within the French cultural landscape.

Bandes dessinées, or comics, have a long history of publication in French newspapers and magazines. However, it was in the early 1960s that a new standard format emerged, known as albums. These large hardback books played a pivotal role in the establishment and acceptance of comics as a distinct form of literary narrative.

From the iconic Barbarella in 1964 to the mesmerizing La Ballade de la mer salée in 1975, and from the beloved Astérix and its countless copies to the beloved Tintin and its captivating screen adaptations, the comics landscape underwent a remarkable transformation within a span of just a few years.

The advent of the album revolutionized the way comics were created, distributed, and consumed. It opened up new avenues for artistic expression, challenged traditional market structures, expanded readership, sparked critical discourse, and gave rise to a vibrant community of comics fans.

To explore these transformative developments, this book employs a series of case studies, each focusing on a notable album. By tracing the publishing and critical history of these classic bandes dessinées, the book challenges the limitations of a canon centered around the album format and uncovers the processes that legitimized comics as the ninth art.

Through its insightful analysis, this book offers a fresh perspective on the world of comics, shedding light on its cultural significance and its enduring impact on literature, art, and popular culture. Whether you are a seasoned comics enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to understand this captivating medium, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of comics as the ninth art.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031170003
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023