Myths of Europe

by Richard Littlejohns (Editor), Sara Soncini (Editor)

'Myths of Europe' focuses on the identity of Europe, seeking to reassess its cultural, literary and political traditions in the context of the 21st century. Over 20 authors - historians, political scientists, literary scholars, art and cultural historians - from five countries here enter into a debate. How far are the myths by which Europe has defined itself for centuries relevant to its role in global politics after 9/11? Can 'Old Europe' maintain its traditional identity now that the European Union includes countries previously supposed to be on its periphery? How has Europe handled relations with the non-European Other in the past and how is it reacting now to an influx of immigrants and asylum seekers? It becomes clear that founding myths such as Hamlet and St Nicholas have helped construct the European consciousness but also that these and other European myths have disturbing Eurocentric implications. Are these myths still viable today and, if so, to what extent and for what purpose? This volume sits on the interface between culture and politics and is important reading for all those interested in the transmission of myth and in both the past and the future of Europe. Contents Acknowledgments Richard LITTLEJOHNS and Sara Myths of 'Europe', and 'Myths' of Europe Manfred Europa/ Myths and Muddles Guido Electras and Hamlet Mark Myths of Ted Hughes's 'Tales from Ovid' Pierangiolo Myths of Adonis and Heracles Graham St Nicholas, Icon of Mercantile Transition and Continuity of a European Myth Elena Re-writing a Dryden's 'Amphitryon' and its Sources Roberta 'A Foundling at the Crossroads': Fielding, Tradition(s) and a 'Dantesque' Reading of 'Tom Jones' Antje Viewing the Between Myth and Astronomy in the Age of the Enlightenment Alessandra George Eliot's Use of Scriptural Incarnation of Ideas Mario CURREL

295 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2006