Description

Book Synopsis


Trade Review

"One of the most unappreciated and oft-mocked genres of the 1960s, the Italian sword-and-sandal films are generally given the short shrift by critics, historians, and film fans alike. Therefore, anytime an entire book is devoted to the films of Hercules and his godlike brethren it is cause for celebration. [... Rushing] presents a fascinating historical overview of the genre."

* Cinema Retro *

Despite the broad swath of the cultural terrain covered, the book presents a meaningful analysis of the peplum genre's longitudinal engagement with nationalist ideologies.

* Choice *

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
A Note on Film Titles and Foreign Language Citations
Introduction: Descended from Hercules: A Peplum Genealogy
1. Nos Morituri: Time in the Peplum
2. Pre/Post: Sexuality in the Peplum
3. Skin Flicks: The Haptic Peplum
4. Immune Systems: The Peplum as Biopolitical Genre
Conclusion: Biopolitical Fantasy
Filmography
Works Cited
Index

Descended from Hercules

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    £55.80

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    RRP £62.00 – you save £6.20 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 3 Jul 2026.

    A Hardback by Robert A. Rushing

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      Publisher: Indiana University Press
      Publication Date: 15/10/2016
      ISBN13: 9780253022462, 978-0253022462
      ISBN10: 0253022460
      Also in:
      Film history, theory or criticism

      Description

      Book Synopsis


      Trade Review

      "One of the most unappreciated and oft-mocked genres of the 1960s, the Italian sword-and-sandal films are generally given the short shrift by critics, historians, and film fans alike. Therefore, anytime an entire book is devoted to the films of Hercules and his godlike brethren it is cause for celebration. [... Rushing] presents a fascinating historical overview of the genre."

      * Cinema Retro *

      Despite the broad swath of the cultural terrain covered, the book presents a meaningful analysis of the peplum genre's longitudinal engagement with nationalist ideologies.

      * Choice *

      Table of Contents

      Acknowledgements
      A Note on Film Titles and Foreign Language Citations
      Introduction: Descended from Hercules: A Peplum Genealogy
      1. Nos Morituri: Time in the Peplum
      2. Pre/Post: Sexuality in the Peplum
      3. Skin Flicks: The Haptic Peplum
      4. Immune Systems: The Peplum as Biopolitical Genre
      Conclusion: Biopolitical Fantasy
      Filmography
      Works Cited
      Index

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