Title: America and the Patterns of Chivalry
Description: John Fraser explores a paradox about the USA: that a country dedicated to rationality, progress, equality and success has always had a strong attachment to the medieval ideas of nobility and chivalry and the high toned violence that goes with them. The strange consequences of this attachment spread deep into US history and politics: They were at the heart of the Civil War but also give a flavour to domestic politics, especially industrial relations. They also sound a special note in American fiction, from Twain to The Great Gatsby and beyond and in the whole of popular culture, especially the movies. This aspect of the American spirit is one of the many admirable things about this country and Fraser has written a book that will move its readers as well as instruct, enlighten and amuse them.
Subjects: Chivalry in literature, Popular culture, History and criticism, American literature, American literature, history and criticism, 19th century, American literature, history and criticism, 20th century, United states, intellectual life, Chivalry
Places: United States
Time periods: 19th century, 20th century