Title
Revolutionary Melodrama: Popular Film and Civic Identity in Nasser's Egypt (Chicago Studies on the Middle East),Used
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Revolutionary Melodrama explores intersections between cinema and politics during the Nasser era, a period in which a military regime embarked upon the construction of a new civic identity for an independent Egypt. The way in which filmmakers participated in this venture provides the focal point, with their cultural production as the central texts which both shaped and were shaped by an emerging sense of a new Egypt. With the blessing of a ''revolutionary'' regime, filmmakers began to explore issues of social inequity, colonial and feudal exploitation, changing gender roles, religious and cultural traditions and, finally, the disappointments of the revolutionary project itself. No realm of cultural production holds greater import for the Nasser era than the cinema. Even those who are active in deconstructing the last vestiges of the Nasserist state trumpet the Nasser era as a ''golden age'' of the arts and media. The faces and voices on big and little screens, many still alive, some still working, constitute a pantheon who many Egyptians, young and old alike, feel will never be replaced. The author approaches his subject as a scholar of the early Nasser years who has turned his attention to questions of civic identity and its relationship to art and political symbology. The work is enriched and informed by extensive interviews with a large circle of people engaged in the production or analysis of Egyptian cinema and broadcast, then and now: directors, actors, critics, historians, scenarists, censors, musicians, writers, politicians, and government ministers. Egyptian film remains a largely ignored topic in an evergrowing literature on film and culture. This book sheds new light on what many consider to be the greatest era of Egyptian filmmaking, one that remains formative for many engaged in creating Egyptian films today.
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- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: The book has three hundred pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of cinema and politics in Nasser's Egypt.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point twenty-six inches in length, one point twenty-six inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These dimensions make it a suitable size for reading and display.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This durable binding enhances its longevity and makes it ideal for repeated use.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Joel Gordon. He is an expert on the early Nasser years and civic identity in Egypt.
- Q: What genre does this book fall under? A: The book falls under the Performing Arts genre. It specifically examines the role of cinema in shaping civic identity in Egypt.
- Q: What is the primary focus of the book? A: The primary focus is the intersection of cinema and politics during the Nasser era. It discusses how filmmakers contributed to the construction of a new civic identity.
- Q: How can this book be used for academic purposes? A: This book can serve as a valuable resource for research on Egyptian cinema and political history. Its extensive interviews provide insights into the cultural context.
- Q: Is this book suitable for casual readers? A: Yes, it is suitable for casual readers interested in film and history. The engaging writing style makes complex themes accessible to a broader audience.
- Q: What topics does the book cover about Egyptian cinema? A: The book covers topics such as social inequity, colonial exploitation, changing gender roles, and the disappointments of the revolutionary project in Egyptian cinema.
- Q: How does the book address the Nasser era's cultural impact? A: The book highlights the Nasser era as a 'golden age' of arts and media, showcasing the significant contributions of filmmakers during this time.
- Q: What should I do to keep this book in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, store it upright in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Handle it carefully to preserve the binding.
- Q: Is there any special care needed for the hardcover? A: No special care is needed beyond standard book care. Just ensure it is kept clean and handled gently to maintain its condition.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers provide customer support for such issues.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: Typically, there is no warranty on books. However, check with the seller for their specific return policy.
- Q: How can I contact support if I have issues with my order? A: You can usually contact customer support through the seller’s website or the platform where you purchased the book for assistance.
- Q: Can this book be used in classroom settings? A: Yes, the book can be used in classroom settings, especially for courses on film studies, Middle Eastern studies, or political history.