Title
West Of Everything: The Inner Life Of Westerns (Oxford Paperbacks)
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A Leading Figure In The Debate Over The Literary Canon, Jane Tompkins Was One Of The First To Point To The Ongoing Relevance Of Popular Women'S Fiction In The 19Th Century, Long Overlooked Or Scorned By Literary Critics. Now, In West Of Everything, Tompkins Shows How Popular Novels And Films Of The American West Have Shaped The Emotional Lives Of People In Our Time.Into This World Full Of Violence And Manly Courage, The World Of John Wayne And Louis L'Amour, Tompkins Takes Her Readers, Letting Them Feel What The Hero Feels, Endure What He Endures. Writing With Sympathy, Insight, And Respect, She Probes The Main Elements Of The Westernits Preoccupation With Death, Its Barren Landscapes, Galloping Horses, Hardbitten Men And Marginalized Womenrevealing The View Of Reality And Code Of Behavior These Features Contain. She Considers The Western Hero'S Attraction To Pain, His Fear Of Women And Language, His Desire To Dominate The Environmentand To Merge With It. In Fact, Tompkins Argues, For Better Or Worse Westerns Have Taught Us Allmen Especiallyhow To Behave.It Was As A Reaction Against Popular Women'S Novels And Women'S Invasion Of The Public Sphere That Westerns Originated, Tompkins Maintains. With Westerns, Men Were Reclaiming Cultural Territory, Countering The Inwardness, Spirituality, And Domesticity Of The Sentimental Writers, With A Rough And Tumble, Secular, Mancentered World. Tompkins Brings These Insights To Bear In Considering Film Classics Such As Red River And Lonely Are The Brave, And Novels Such As Louis L'Amour'S Last Of The Breed And Owen Wister'S The Virginian. In One Of The Most Moving Chapters (Chosen For Best American Essays Of 1991), Tompkins Shows How The Life Of Buffalo Bill Cody, Killer Of Native Americans And Charismatic Star Of The Wild West Show, Evokes The Contradictory Feelings Which The Western Typically Elicitshorror And Fascination With Violence, But Also Love And Respect For The Romantic Ideal Of The Cowboy.Whether Interpreting A Photograph Of John Wayne Of Meditating On The Slaughter Of Cattle, Jane Tompkins Writes With Humor, Compassion, And A Provocative Intellect. Her Book Will Appeal To Many Americans Who Read Or Watch Westerns, And To All Those Interested In A Serious Approach To Popular Culture.
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- Q: How many pages does 'West of Everything' have? A: This book contains two hundred seventy-two pages. It offers a comprehensive exploration of Westerns and their impact on culture.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it flexible and lightweight for easy handling and reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'West of Everything'? A: The book measures eight point six two inches in length, five point four three inches in width, and zero point six seven inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of 'West of Everything'? A: The author is Jane Tompkins. She provides a critical analysis of Westerns and their cultural significance.
- Q: What genre does 'West of Everything' belong to? A: This book is categorized under Performing Arts. It delves into the intersection of literature and film.
- Q: Is 'West of Everything' suitable for all ages? A: Yes, it is suitable for a general audience. However, readers should be aware of its themes surrounding violence and cultural critique.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'West of Everything'? A: The book explores themes such as masculinity, violence, and the emotional impact of Westerns on society. Tompkins analyzes the genre's cultural implications.
- Q: How does Jane Tompkins approach the topic of Westerns? A: Tompkins approaches the topic with insight and respect, examining the emotional lives shaped by Westerns through historical context.
- Q: Are there any notable films discussed in 'West of Everything'? A: Yes, notable films like 'Red River' and 'Lonely Are the Brave' are discussed. Tompkins analyzes their cultural and emotional impact.
- Q: Does 'West of Everything' include discussions on classic novels? A: Yes, it discusses classic novels such as 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister and works by Louis L'Amour. These analyses highlight their significance in Western literature.
- Q: What is one of the key arguments made in 'West of Everything'? A: One key argument is that Westerns have taught societal norms and behaviors, particularly regarding masculinity and cultural identity.
- Q: What writing style does Jane Tompkins use in this book? A: Tompkins employs a style that is both humorous and intellectually provocative. Her writing engages readers while discussing serious cultural themes.
- Q: Is 'West of Everything' part of a series? A: No, 'West of Everything' is a standalone book. It offers a unique perspective on Westerns without being part of a series.
- Q: What publishing house released 'West of Everything'? A: The book is published by Oxford University Press, USA. This publisher is known for its scholarly contributions to literature.
- Q: Can 'West of Everything' be found in libraries? A: Yes, it is commonly found in libraries. Its academic and cultural insights make it a valuable resource for readers interested in Westerns.