The Werewolf Complex: America's Fascination with Violence by Duclos, Denis - 1998

Oxford: Berg Books, 1998 Seeking answers to questions about crime and violence in America, the author of this text examines the country's fascination with violence. He questions why there are so many serial killers in the United States, and why Jekyll and Hyde and the werewolf myth should have such appeal in North American culture. In answer, Duclos demonstrates that on-screen violence reflects America's deep-seated belief that society is only a fragile rampart holding at bay the beast latent in us all. It is this belief that has persuaded Americans to accept mechanized surveillance methods to catch criminals, and partly explains the proliferation of criminal legislation. The author maintains that cultures which do not share this fear of hidden barbarity will remain unaffected by American-style violence. However, if people do come to believe in the primacy of these primitive instincts, their children will have good reason to emulate what they see portrayed on screen. Could the global dissemination of American culture increase our murderous instincts? '...absolutely riveting and a fascinating comparison of Catholic/Protestant non-conformist theologies of evil lies not far below the surface...a spectacular survey of films and writing about human crime and especially serial killers in the American media; shocking, brilliant, witty and profound.' Professor Mary Douglas. No Jacket, as Issued.. First English Edition. Hardcover. New. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.