The Middle Ages in Modern Culture: History and Authenticity in Contemporary Medievalism

The Middle Ages in Modern Culture explores the use of medieval models in contemporary media, examining authenticity, historical accuracy, and the portrayal of the middle ages in modern works. It offers a nuanced study of medieval culture and sheds light on the use (and misuse) of medieval history in modern media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Middle Ages in Modern Culture is an interdisciplinary study that explores the use of medieval models across various contemporary media, including television, film, and architecture, and the significance of deploying authentic medieval worlds in these representations. Rooted in the question of authenticity, the book addresses three connected themes: the relationship between historical accuracy and authenticity, the presentation of the Middle Ages in modern media, and the attempts by creators of modern content to produce authentic medieval environments. Through a nuanced study of medieval culture, the book sheds new light on the use (and misuse) of medieval history in modern media.

The book is funded by Knowledge Unlatched and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. It brings together an international team of experts who explore the various ways in which medieval models are used in contemporary media and the implications of these representations. The book challenges the notion of authenticity and examines how different versions of authenticity are accepted. It also explores how the Middle Ages are presented in modern media and why inaccuracies emerge and persist in these works. Finally, the book examines the attempts by creators of modern content to produce authentic medieval environments and the benefits and pitfalls of accurate portrayals.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section explores the relationship between historical accuracy and authenticity. It examines the different ways in which historical accuracy is defined and how it is used in modern media. It also considers the different versions of authenticity that are accepted and the factors that influence these interpretations.

The second section examines the presentation of the Middle Ages in modern media. It explores the various ways in which the Middle Ages are depicted in modern media, including television, film, and architecture. It examines the historical accuracy of these representations and the reasons why inaccuracies emerge and persist.

The third section examines the attempts by creators of modern content to produce authentic medieval environments. It explores the various techniques and strategies that are used to create authentic medieval environments and the benefits and pitfalls of accurate portrayals. It also considers the ethical implications of creating authentic medieval environments and the potential for cultural appropriation.

Overall, The Middle Ages in Modern Culture is a nuanced study of medieval culture that sheds new light on the use (and misuse) of medieval history in modern media. It is funded by Knowledge Unlatched and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. It brings together an international team of experts who explore the various ways in which medieval models are used in contemporary media and the implications of these representations.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350266001