Gothic Perspectives on the American Experience / Edition 2

by Gregory G. Pepetone

Overview

From the founding of the United States to the present day, America’s conception of itself as a functional democracy has been clouded by a dark suspicion of subversion, conspiracy, and failure. Gothic Perspectives on the American Experience explores this dark side of America’s past, from the era of Thomas Jefferson and Charles Brockden Brown to that of John F. Kennedy and Oliver Stone. Drawing upon insights garnered from history, literature, pulp fiction, and film, it probes as yet unresolved divisions between adherents of the authentic American dream – which is based in faith in civilized dialogue within an open political process – and an alternative conception of America based in commercialism, covert politics, and faith in the effectiveness of armed might. This book examines the tensions between democratic idealism and covert fascism in the American experience, the Gothic dilemmas those tensions have provoked, and the contributions made by some of America’s preeminent authors, politicians, historians, and filmmakers toward reforming an increasingly dystopian society along the utopian lines envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780820457635
Publisher:	Peter Lang Publishing Inc.
Publication date:	05/28/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	197
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.02(d)

About the Author

The Author: Gregory G. Pepetone is currently a resident artist in piano performance and a tenured professor in the Department of Music and Theatre at Georgia College and State University, where he was formerly the coordinator of interdisciplinary studies. He teaches courses in music history, applied studies, and interdisciplinary studies. His scholarly articles on Gothic arts and American culture have won two national awards.

Editorial Reviews

«‘Gothic Perspectives on the American Experience’ is a brilliant and highly individual work of cultural criticism seen through the lens of the Gothic imagination.... It is a timely and absorbing historical narrative for those who would pursue the American dream in turbulent and troubling times.» (John F. Strauss, Professor, Luther College, Iowa)
«In reading this book, I was reminded of issues, personalities, and ideas that I had not thought about for many years. Gregory G. Pepetone’s book not only made me think about them again, it convinced me of their contemporary relevance. As one who teaches a college-level course in politics and the arts, I found this book insightful as well as fascinating – an informative and scholarly resource that promises to be an effective teaching tool.» (Alan Weinberg, Professor, Columbia College, North Carolina)
«At my initial reading of ‘Gothic Perspectives on the American Experience’, I found that I could not put the book down. I was drawn into Gregory G. Pepetone’s compelling and thought-provoking treatment of events and experiences that have shaped our country as well as my own personal life and thoughts. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring their own perspective on the American experience.» (Michael Rhodes, Producer and Director)
«In this book, Gregory G. Pepetone has offered a fresh lens through which to view late-twentieth-century national life in the United States. Combining intuitive and intriguing observations on past events with a challenging glimpse into the shadow side of our country, Pepetone has managed to create the ideal history book – one that enlightens while simultaneously leading to deeper exploration. This book is well worth reading not simply once, but many times over.» (C. K. Robertson, Author and Consultant)
«Gregory G. Pepetone is providing interrelated scholarly, pedagogical, and artistic contributions to interdisciplinary studies that are of national significance.» (William H. Newell, Director, Institute of Integrative Studies, Miami University)

From the Publisher