The Good, the Bad and the Ancient: Essays on the Greco-Roman Influence in Westerns

American law, politics, philosophy, oratory, history, and popular culture continue to be influenced by classical ideals. This collection of essays explores the West's relationship with the classical world, including films and serials like Cheyenne Autumn, The Wild Bunch, The Track of the Cat, Trooper Hook, The Furies, Heaven's Gate, and Slow West.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Even though Americans are no longer required to study Greek and Latin, classical ideals continue to have a significant impact on American law, politics, philosophy, oratory, history, and, most notably, popular culture. Many film and television directors in the Western genre, including John Ford, Raoul Walsh, Howard Hawks, Anthony Mann, and Sam Peckinpah, have drawn inspiration from antiquity, and the classical values and influences in their work have shaped our conceptions of the West for years.

This thought-provoking, groundbreaking collection of essays explores, affirms, and critiques the West's complex relationship with the classical world. It examines films such as "Cheyenne Autumn," "The Wild Bunch," "The Track of the Cat," "Trooper Hook," "The Furies," "Heaven's Gate," and "Slow West," as well as serials like "Gunsmoke" and "Lonesome Dove."

The essays in this collection offer a diverse range of perspectives and approaches, reflecting the rich and multifaceted nature of the West's engagement with the classical world. They explore themes such as heroism, morality, justice, power, and the human condition, drawing upon classical sources and traditions to shed light on contemporary issues and challenges.

While some essays celebrate the enduring influence of classical ideals on the West, others critique the ways in which they have been appropriated or misused. The collection encourages readers to think critically about the relationship between the West and the classical world and to consider the ways in which it has shaped our understanding of both.

In conclusion, this collection of essays is a valuable contribution to the study of the West and the classical world. It offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex and enduring relationship between these two cultural traditions, and it will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the history, culture, and philosophy of the West.

Weight: 189g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476667645