Publisher's Synopsis
A Brief History of Zombies is an investigation of zombies and how they came to play such a major role in pop culture. The book traces the history of zombie representations across the spectrum from folklore and religion to modern pop culture, video games, films, TV and novels. It is a hard-hitting analysis of the political and technological transformation of the zombie and why it is no longer solely a horror figure. The zombie can now withstand nuclear war, extinction, ecological catastrophe, disaster and plagues. It is a mirror image of everything from the human condition to the forces of science and technology. Zombie narratives have changed to become not only a reflection of but also a commentary on fears, anxieties and hopes. A Brief History of Zombies is a study the biology, geography, culture and technology of zombies. It is an enjoyable study of why zombies, once terrifying, have become part of the cultural landscape and also of how the zombie is transforming in light of this new role. A Brief History of Zombies documents and explains how zombies have adapted to reflect the things that scare us.
