Beyond Camelot

Beyond Camelot
Author: Edward L. Rubin
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 479
Release: 2007-08-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1400826624

This book argues that many of the basic concepts that we use to describe and analyze our governmental system are out of date. Developed in large part during the Middle Ages, they fail to confront the administrative character of modern government. These concepts, which include power, discretion, democracy, legitimacy, law, rights, and property, bear the indelible imprint of this bygone era's attitudes, and Arthurian fantasies, about governance. As a result, they fail to provide us with the tools we need to understand, critique, and improve the government we actually possess. Beyond Camelot explains the causes and character of this failure, and then proposes a new conceptual framework, drawn from management science and engineering, which describes our administrative government more accurately, and identifies its weaknesses instead of merely bemoaning its modernity. This book's proposed framework envisions government as a network of connected units that are authorized by superior units and that supervise subordinate ones. Instead of using inherited, emotion-laden concepts like democracy and legitimacy to describe the relationship between these units and private citizens, it directs attention to the particular interactions between these units and the citizenry, and to the mechanisms by which government obtains its citizens' compliance. Instead of speaking about law and legal rights, it proposes that we address the way that the modern state formulates policy and secures its implementation. Instead of perpetuating outdated ideas that we no longer really believe about the sanctity of private property, it suggests that we focus on the way that resources are allocated in order to establish markets as our means of regulation. Highly readable, Beyond Camelot offers an insightful and provocative discussion of how we must transform our understanding of government to keep pace with the transformation that government itself has undergone.

Flying Camelot

Flying Camelot
Author: Michael W. Hankins
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2021-12-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 150176067X

Flying Camelot brings us back to the post-Vietnam era, when the US Air Force launched two new, state-of-the art fighter aircraft: the F-15 Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It was an era when debates about aircraft superiority went public—and these were not uncontested discussions. Michael W. Hankins delves deep into the fighter pilot culture that gave rise to both designs, showing how a small but vocal group of pilots, engineers, and analysts in the Department of Defense weaponized their own culture to affect technological development and larger political change. The design and advancement of the F-15 and F-16 reflected this group's nostalgic desire to recapture the best of World War I air combat. Known as the "Fighter Mafia," and later growing into the media savvy political powerhouse "Reform Movement," it believed that American weapons systems were too complicated and expensive, and thus vulnerable. The group's leader was Colonel John Boyd, a contentious former fighter pilot heralded as a messianic figure by many in its ranks. He and his group advocated for a shift in focus from the multi-role interceptors the Air Force had designed in the early Cold War towards specialized air-to-air combat dogfighters. Their influence stretched beyond design and into larger politicized debates about US national security, debates that still resonate today. A biography of fighter pilot culture and the nostalgia that drove decision-making, Flying Camelot deftly engages both popular culture and archives to animate the movement that shook the foundations of the Pentagon and Congress.

Books and Beyond [4 volumes]

Books and Beyond [4 volumes]
Author: Kenneth Womack
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 1333
Release: 2008-10-30
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 0313071578

There's a strong interest in reading for pleasure or self-improvement in America, as shown by the popularity of Harry Potter, and book clubs, including Oprah Winfrey's. Although recent government reports show a decline in recreational reading, the same reports show a strong correlation between interest in reading and academic acheivement. This set provides a snapshot of the current state of popular American literature, including various types and genres. The volume presents alphabetically arranged entries on more than 70 diverse literary categories, such as cyberpunk, fantasy literature, flash fiction, GLBTQ literature, graphic novels, manga and anime, and zines. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and provides a definition of the genre, an overview of its history, a look at trends and themes, a discussion of how the literary form engages contemporary issues, a review of the genre's reception, a discussion of authors and works, and suggestions for further reading. Sidebars provide fascinating details, and the set closes with a selected, general bibliography. Reading in America for pleasure and knowledge continues to be popular, even while other media compete for attention. While students continue to read many of the standard classics, new genres have emerged. These have captured the attention of general readers and are also playing a critical role in the language arts classroom. This book maps the state of popular literature and reading in America today, including the growth of new genres, such as cyberpunk, zines, flash fiction, GLBTQ literature, and other topics. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and provides a definition of the genre, an overview of its history, a look at trends and themes, a discussion of how the literary form engages contemporary issues, a review of the genre's critical reception, a discussion of authors and works, and suggestions for further reading. Sidebars provide fascinating details, and the set closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students will find this book a valuable guide to what they're reading today and will appreciate its illumination of popular culture and contemporary social issues.

Beyond Arthurian Romances

Beyond Arthurian Romances
Author: J. Palmgren
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 262
Release: 2005-06-03
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1403981167

Leaving the traditional focus on Arthurian romance and Gothic tales, the essays in this collection address how the Victorians looked back to the Middle Ages to create a sense of authority for their own ideas in areas such as art, religion, gender expectations, and social services. This book will interest specialists in the Victorian period from various fields and will also be a welcome addition to any library serving substantial humanities divisions. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the essays, this collection would be useful in a wide range of humanities classes beyond the traditional literature class.

Vengeance of Arthur

Vengeance of Arthur
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Publisher: Stories Rule Press
Total Pages: 339
Release: 2022-05-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 177438678X

The omens gather, while Camelot fractures… Saraid is an orphan, thanks to the Saxons, but has found a place as lady companion to Adrivete, the daughter of King Drust of Deira. She wants nothing more than to stay where she is and live a quiet, uneventful life. Her peace is shattered when Owain, the son of the dead King of Rheged, rides into Deira and demands they hand over Lamorak, the murderer of his aunt, Morguase of Lothian…before sliding from his horse in exhaustion. Then a message is received from Arthur, the High King of Britain, ordering Adrivete to travel to Camelot with Owain. Adrivete insists Saraid travel with her. Saraid is out of her element, uncomfortable, hungry and tired, and dismayed by the forced intimacies of the road. When Owain unexpectedly helps her cope with the rigors of travel, Saraid learns he is not at all the gruff, infamous son of Rheged that rumour paints him to be. Neither of them wants to go to Camelot. Together, they might survive the politics, conspiracies and the storm that gathers over the city of miracles… This novel is part of the historical fantasy romance series, Once and Future Hearts, set in Britain during the time of King Arthur. 1.0 Born of No Man 2.0 Dragon Kin 3.0 Pendragon Rises 4.0 War Duke of Britain 5.0 High King of Britain 6.0 Battle of Mount Badon 7.0 Abduction of Guenivere 8.0 Downfall of Cornwall 8.1 Touched by Maen Llia 9.0 Vengeance of Arthur 10.0 Grace of Lancelot 11.0 The Grail and Glory 12.0 Camlann Readers have described Tracy Cooper-Posey as “a superb story teller” and her historical fantasy romances as “written art”. __ Praise for The Once and Future Hearts series Imagine how good is the author in her craft that she is capable of surprising us her readers even though the Arthurian cycle is one of the most rewritten ones in western literature. What a great storyteller! I never thought that anyone could tell an Arthurian tale as well as Mary Stewart, but Tracy Cooper Posey has succeeded. I am just in awe of her ability to meld historical detail with legends and turn out a mesmerizing story. It takes me back to the magic I felt when reading Mary Stewart's stories of Merlin. Tracy Cooper-Posey has written another winner! As a long time, self proclaimed Arthurian Legend junkie I couldn't wait to dive into Tracy Cooper Posey's new series. Tracy once again proves to be a master story teller as she weaves the delicate threads of this beloved legend into her own. I also love the fact that her female characters are definitely not boring, whiny or TSTL. Tracy Cooper Posey is brilliant at weaving stories with individuals that are completely believable in their thoughts and dialogue. Ms Tracy has an amazing way of telling a tale. It’s magical :-) Her characters come to life with vibrancy, you can hear the noises of swords clashing and, the swell of various conversations in the great hall This book is fast paced and I had trouble putting it down! Tracy again gets the reader into the times of King Arthur. It feels like you are there. Definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the King Arthur legend, a wonderfully intricate story or just a great romance! I hope this series never ends.

Film and Fiction

Film and Fiction
Author: T. A. Shippey
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Total Pages: 266
Release: 2003
Genre: History
ISBN: 085991772X

Essays on the continuing power and applicability of medieval images, with particular reference to recent films. The middle ages provide the material for mass-market films, for historical and fantasy fiction, for political propaganda and claims of legitimacy, and these in their turn exert a force well outside academia. The phenomenon is tooimportant to be left unscrutinised: these essays show the continuing power and applicability of medieval images - and also, it must be said, their dangerousness and often their falsity. Of the ten essays in this volume, several examine modern movies, including the highly-successful A Knight's Tale (Chaucer as a PR agent) and the much-derided First Knight (the Round Table fights the Gulf War). Others deal with the appropriation of history and literature by a variety of interested parties: King Alfred press-ganged for the Royal Navy and the burghers of Winchester in 1901, William Langland discovered as a prophet of future Socialism, Chaucer at once venerated and tidied into New England respectability. Vikings, Normans and Saxons are claimed as forebears and disowned as losers in works as complex as Rider Haggard's Eric Brighteyes, at once neo-saga and anti-saga. Victorian melodramaprovides the clichés of "the bad baronet" who revives the droit de seigneur (but baronets are notoriously modern creations); and of the "bony grasping hand" of the Catholic Church and its canon lawyers (an image spread in ways eerily reminiscent of the modern "urban legend" in its Internet forms). Contributors: BRUCE BRASINGTON, WILLIAM CALIN, CARL HAMMER, JONA HAMMER, PAUL HARDWICK, NICKOLAS HAYDOCK, GWENDOLYN MORGAN, JOANNE PARKER, CLARE A. SIMMONS, WILLIAM F. WOODS. Professor TOM SHIPPEY teaches in the Department of English at the University of St Louis; Dr MARTIN ARNOLD teaches at University College, Scarborough.

Once and Future Hearts Box Three

Once and Future Hearts Box Three
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Publisher: Stories Rule Press
Total Pages: 971
Release: 2023-07-08
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1774389630

Tracy Cooper-Posey once again found a way to drop you into history through her extraordinary storytelling – Reader Review The third set of three books of the series that will “keep you hooked until the end”, featuring the myths, legends and magic of the beloved King Arthur stories, surrounding heart-rending romances of the men and women who lived and loved in these perilous times. 7.0 Abduction of Guenivere A politically expedient marriage, rife with bitter history. Gawain, one of Arthur’s greatest warriors and companions, seethes restlessly now war has ended. He brings himself to marry the politically suitable Tegan of Dunoding, who is far removed from the soft, gentle women he prefers, and irritates him more often than not. Tegan’s bitterness toward Gawain is driven by a history he doesn’t remember, and that she cannot forget, which dooms the marriage. When Tegan’s closest friend, Queen Guenivere, goes missing, sending Camelot into chaos, Arthur tasks Gawain and Lancelot with finding the Queen. Gawain shocks Tegan by seeking her unique talents to help with the quest. The two must find a way to work together, for the good of Camelot and Britain… 8.0 Downfall of Cornwall Can Anwen help Sagramore find a way out of the darkness? Sagramore and Tristan are closer than brothers, sharing wine, women and an affinity for feral, furious fighting. As heir to both the King of the Magyars and the Eastern Roman throne, Sagramore is an outsider who has never been fully accepted by King Arthur’s court, or King Mark’s either. Calm, composed Anwen Idria, oldest daughter of the King of Strathclyde, is adored by all of Camelot the moment she arrives. She refuses the attention of the passionate, fiery Sagramore, for his wildness and blistering emotions remind her too much of her father, a former slave called Idris the Slayer, who terrifies her. 9.0 Vengeance of Arthur The omens gather, while Camelot fractures… Saraid is an orphan, thanks to the Saxons, but has found a place as lady companion to Adrivete, the daughter of King Drust of Deira. She wants nothing more than to stay where she is and live a quiet, uneventful life. Her peace is shattered when Owain, the son of the dead King of Rheged, rides into Deira and demands they hand over Lamorak, the murderer of his aunt, Morguase of Lothian…before sliding from his horse in exhaustion. Then a message is received from Arthur, the High King of Britain, ordering Adrivete to travel to Camelot with Owain. Adrivete insists Saraid travel with her. When Owain unexpectedly helps her cope with the rigors of travel, Saraid learns he is not at all the gruff, infamous son of Rheged that rumour paints him to be. Neither of them wants to go to Camelot. Together, they might survive the politics, conspiracies and the storm that gathers over the city of miracles… The series: 1.0 Born of No Man 2.0 Dragon Kin 3.0 Pendragon Rises 4.0 War Duke of Britain 5.0 High King of Britain 6.0 Battle of Mount Badon Included in this boxed set: 7.0 Abduction of Guenivere 8.0 Downfall of Cornwall 9.0 Vengeance of Arthur The remainder of the series: 10.0 Grace of Lancelot 11.0 The Grail and Glory 12.0 Camlann Readers have described Tracy Cooper-Posey as “a superb story teller” and her historical fantasy romances as “written art”. Get the third boxed set today! __ Praise for the series You will be drawn into a world so different, so compelling. You won't want to put it down. Love the descriptions and settings that transport me to that world. Well told and well written. This book really kept me on my toes I cried so much not knowing what would happen. I'm so in love with this series. This series is in the right century, told in the right way, and based on sound research, plus, it's just plain old great storytelling! Tracy Cooper-Posey has brought the Arthurian Legend alive! I am so enjoying this series & it seems each book gets better and draws me in deeper. A simply fantastic series that is getting better and better with each new book. The more I read of this series, the more I want. I can't say enough good things about the series! I love the way the tapestry of the historical setting is pieced together, bringing the sights and sounds of the dark ages alive. So good, I binged on these the first time as each individual book, and now in this box set, I binged on them again. The spellbinding story-telling provided tales so complex and yet so enthralling that I was completely addicted and transported There was often a delightful theme of strong women learning about and achieving their best selves And the sword! I love Tracy’s explanation for how the sword ends up in the stone. Such a great idea. It is so much more than the book blurb promises! These fast-paced plots with the action, intrigue and romance thickens with each book and will keep you fully engaged and up all night. Tracy has an amazing ability to make you feel anxious, thrilled, hurt, relieved. You become so involved with the characters that you feel their apprehension, strength, relief & joy fighting for what they believe in.

The Medieval Hero on Screen

The Medieval Hero on Screen
Author: Martha W. Driver
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 277
Release: 2003-12-31
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0786427035

Few figures have captured Hollywood's and the public's imagination as completely as have medieval heroes. Cast as chivalric knight, warrior princess, "alpha male in tights," or an amalgamation, and as likely to appear in Hong Kong action flicks and spaghetti westerns as films set in the Middle Ages, the medieval hero on film serves many purposes. This collection of essays about the medieval hero on screen, contributed by scholars from a variety of disciplines, draws upon a wide range of movies and medieval texts. The essays are grouped into five sections, each with an introduction by the editors: an exploration of historic authenticity; heroic children and the lessons they convey to young viewers; medieval female heroes; the place of the hero's weapon in pop culture; and teaching the medieval movie in the classroom. Thirty-two film stills illustrate the work, and each essay includes notes, a filmography, and a bibliography. There is a foreword by Jonathan Rosenbaum, and an index is included. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

King Arthur's Modern Return

King Arthur's Modern Return
Author: Debra N. Mancoff
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2014-04-23
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1317714148

The Arthurian legend closes with a promise: On a distant day, when his country calls, the king will return. His lost realm will be regained, and his shattered dream of an ideal world will, at last, be realized. This collection of original essays explores the issue of return in the modern Arthurian legend. With an Introduction by noted scholar Raymond H. Thompson and 13 essays by authors from the fields of literature, art history, film history, and folklore, this collection reveals the flexibility of the legend. Just as the modern legend takes the form current to its generation, the myth of return generates a new legend with each telling. As these authors show, return can come in the form of a noble king or a Caribbean immigrant, with the mystery of an art theft or a dying boy's dream.

Le Morte D'Avalon

Le Morte D'Avalon
Author: J. Robert King
Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
Total Pages: 439
Release: 2003-09-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1466801190

Mad Merlin told the story from a god's point of view. Lancelot Du Lether told the story from a lover's point of view. Now in the third volume of J. Robert King's critically acclaimed Arthurian triptych focuses on a woman of Avalon--Morgan le Fey. Part female Hamlet, part mystical Lady Macbeth, this daughter of a slain king must become an Arthurian Joan of Arc for all women when her position in society and royal lineage place her in direct opposition to all that Arthur must accomplish ... not just for Camelot but for all mankind. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.