From Fidelity to History—Film Adaptations As Cultural Events in the Twentieth Century

Scholz (American studies, University of Konstanz, Germany) analyzes film adaptations of literature as social and cultural events in history using the methods of reception study, as proposed by Barbara Klinger and Janet Staiger, in order to shed light on the relationship between narrative, intertextuality, and ideology. The first part of the book examines the reception of three classic American blockbuster adaptations in Cold War West Germany. The second part of the book applies a post-feminist perspective to Hollywood film adaptations in the 1990s, including the Henry James and Jane Austen film booms. A final chapter looks to the future of adaptation studies as a branch of transnational film history. The book is illustrated with b&w historical photos, film stills, movies posters, and publicity shots. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Anne-Marie Scholz holds a teaching affiliation with the University of Bremen, Germany and is currently an Adjunct Professor of American Studies at the University of Konstanz. She is also a freelance language teacher and translator. She has published in The European Journal of American Studies, Film and History, Amerikastudien/American Studies, and German History and has taught at the Universities of Bonn, Hamburg, Tubingen, Bremen, and the University of California, Irvine.