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  • © 2019

Politics in Gotham

The Batman Universe and Political Thought

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Uses popular culture phenomenon of Batman and the Batman universe to explore issues of politics and political thought

  • Provides a reader-friendly introduction to key issues in political thought and political theory

  • Compiles together interdisciplinary scholarship at the crossroads of political science, philosophy, film studies, comics studies, and popular culture

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eBook USD 24.99
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Softcover Book USD 32.99
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Hardcover Book USD 129.99
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Table of contents (14 chapters)

About this book

In Politics in Gotham, scholars from a variety of fields—political science, philosophy, law, and others—provide answers to the question: “What does Batman have to do with politics?” Contributors use the Batman canon, from the comics to the feature films, to explore a broad range of issues in politics and political thought. What can Batman’s role in Gotham City teach us about democracy? How do Batman’s vigilantism and his violence fit within a society committed to the rule of law? What’s the relationship between politics in Gotham and politics in our own communities? From Machiavelli to the fake news phenomenon, this book provides a compelling introduction to the politics behind one of the world’s most enduring pop culture figures.

Reviews

“Thought-provoking, rigorous, and inspired, Politics in Gotham is at once a celebration of the deep, rich mythology of the Dark Knight and a daring interrogation of its implications in today's world.” (Scott Snyder, Writer of Batman, Justice League, and American Vampire)

“80 years of Batman across various media provides a fertile ground to explore the politics of narrative, gender, justice and heroism as they play out in the streets of Gotham… Politics in Gotham is a timely and welcome addition to the literature on Batman.” (Matthew J. Costello, Professor of Political Science, Saint Xavier University, USA)

“A lot of fun which simultaneously offers plenty of food for thought…being the comic book/super-hero geek I am, this tome could fuel enough heated and passionate conversations with all my geek friends to last us a full year on the comic con circuit.” (Michael Uslan, Executive Producer and originator of the Batman movie franchise, USA)

“A fascinating and truly unique reading experience.” (Derek McNeil, DCComicsNews.com)

“Rather than dismissing superheroes as fluff, these academics honor the genre with a respectfully laser-sharp lens. Every Batman fan deserves this book." (Chris Gavaler, Associate Professor of English, Washington & Lee University, USA, and author of Superhero Comics)


Editors and Affiliations

  • University of South Carolina Sumter, Sumter, SC, USA

    Damien K. Picariello

About the editor

Damien K. Picariello is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina Sumter, USA

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 24.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 32.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access