Arthurian Animation

This is an exploration of the potent blend of Arthurian legend, cartoon animation, and cultural and artistic trends from 1933 to the present. In more than 170 theatrical and televised short cartoons, televised series and specials, and feature-length films from The Sword in the Stone to Shrek the Third--all covered in this book--animators have repeatedly brought the Round Table to life. Although these productions differ greatly in tone and intent--spanning spectra from comic to sober, fantastic to realistic, and entertaining to edifying--they share in the proof of Camelot's continuing relevance in the modern world.

This is an exploration of the potent blend of Arthurian legend, cartoon animation, and cultural and artistic trends from 1933 to the present. In more than 170 theatrical and televised short cartoons, televised series and specials, and feature-length films from The Sword in the Stone to Shrek the Third--all covered in this book--animators have repeatedly brought the Round Table to life. Although these productions differ greatly in tone and intent--spanning spectra from comic to sober, fantastic to realistic, and entertaining to edifying--they share in the proof of Camelot's continuing relevance in the modern world.

For centuries, the Arthurian legends have fascinated and inspired countless writers, artists, and readers, many of whom first became acquainted with the story as youngsters. From the numerous retellings of Malory and versions of Tennyson for young people to the host of illustrated volumes to which the Arthurian Revival gave rise. From the Arthurian youth groups for boys (and eventually for girls) run by schools and churches to the school operas, theater pieces, and other entertainment for younger audiences; and from the Arthurian juvenile fiction sequences and series to the films and television shows featuring Arthurian characters, children have learned about the world of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

The legend of King Arthur is embedded in British and American culture. Contemporary America, in particular, is a rich breeding ground for the Arthurian mythos, not only in films, novels, short stories, and fantasy and science fiction, but in other areas of popular and mass culture as well. This work is a collection of 18 previously unpublished essays that demonstrate the impressive extent to which the Arthurian legend continues to permeate contemporary culture beyond film and literature. The essays cover the Arthurian legend in economics, ethics, education, entertainment, music, fun and games, the Internet, and esoterica. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

The Arthurian legends are a crucial part of Western culture and literature. With their enduring themes, archetypal characters, and complex plots, it is not surprising that the stories of Camelot should find their way into films and television programs.From the moody (Excalibur) to the looney (Knighty Knight Bugs), over 250 entries describe the various media interpretations of the legendary king and his trusty knights. Entries are arranged alphabetically, with complete credits, synopses, and analyses of the ways in which the pieces interpret the legend. Included are works like The Sword in the Stone that are based solely on Arthur and his literary origins, as well as those that feature other Camelot characters like Galahad, Percival, and the operatic favorites Tristan and Isolde. Also included are fanciful interpretations in animated films, parodies like Monty Python's, films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that feature Arthurian themes, and television programs with Arthurian episodes such as Babylon 5 and MacGyver. Operatic and dramatic works, like Camelot, that have been recorded for film and television are also covered. Appendices, a bibliography and an index, are included.

Provides information on U.S. and Canadian comic art, animation, caricature, and gag, political, illustrative, and magazine cartoons. Provides citations of books, chapters, articles, and "fugitive" materials gleaned from a variety of sources worldwide, including many periodicals and journals.