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

• Other Authors: Alvestad, Karl (Editor), Houghton, Robert (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Bloomsbury Academic 2021
• Subjects: Literary studies: classical, early & medieval; Popular culture; Literary Criticism; Medieval; Social Science; Popular Culture
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

This open access book brings together an international team of experts, The Middle Ages in Modern Culture considers the use of medieval models across a variety of contemporary media - ranging from television and film to architecture - and the significance of deploying an authentic medieval world to these representations. Rooted in this question of authenticity, this interdisciplinary study addresses three connected themes. Firstly, how does historical accuracy relate to authenticity, and whose version of authenticity is accepted? Secondly, how are the middle ages presented in modern media and why do inaccuracies emerge and persist in these works? Thirdly, how do creators of modern content attempt to produce authentic medieval environments, and what are the benefits and pitfalls of accurate portrayals? The result is nuanced study of medieval culture which sheds new light on the use (and misuse) of medieval history in modern media.