Classics in Conversation
Pt. 3 of “Classics in Conversation” discusses the appropriation of ancient symbols by far-right groups and asks whether the media continutes to perpetrate problematic stereotypes.
Historical time and the Enlightenment Re-imaginings of Moses and Solomon
Written by Inge Erdal. The nature of historical time has always been contested. Through the Enlightenment and nineteenth century, as European empires spread across the globe, writers slid between the boundaries of fiction and history, trying to unpack stories from the Bible.
Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”: In Defence of Excess
Written by Alden Hill. Critics did not respond well to Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”. Yet, is there more to be said for the excess of the movie?
The Impacts of Li Shizhen’s Bencao gangmu
Written by Kat Jivkova. The history of the natural world and study of the natural world has much to owe Li Shizhen’s Bencao gagmu, a sixteenth century text created from years of research and exploration, and often referred to as a “dictionary of Chinese knowledge”.
Eastern State Penitentiary and the Punishment of Isolation in Nineteenth-Century Penal Imprisonment
Written by Melissa Kane. Eastern State Penitentiary is probably best known for holding Al Capone. The prison has a longer history, playing a key role in the emergence of the so-called “Pennsylvania System” of punishment and reform.
Dark magic and Witchcraft – a reasonable fear? The Rationale behind Witchcraft Belief in Early Modern Europe
Written by Nikita Nandanwad. Witchcraft trials have traditionally been viewed as campaigns of irrational religious belief. Yet, recent scholarship has demonstrated the complexity behind witchcraft trials and the ways they were informed by conceptions of gender.
The Power of Books- A History of Censorship, Banning and Burning
Written by Sophie Whitehead. Book censorship is a well-known practice often associated with overbearing political regimes. But the history of book censorship is extensive, and the politics behind censorship have remained the same for hundreds of years.
Classics in Conversation
Pt. 2 of “Classics in Conversation” explores the extent to which young adult fiction can play a role in making the discpline more accessible, and whether it really is just the study of “dead white men”.
The Song of Achilles, 10 Years On
Written by Justin Biggi. The Song of Achilles has been praised for it’s treatment of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, one which has historically been controversial for academics. But does Miller’s retelling stand the test of time?
“Know No Shame”: Black Sails and Writing the Historical Fiction of Sexuality
Written by Jess Womack. The television series, Black Sails, approaches the question of “pre-modern” sexuality. Through a range of individual experiences, it offers a route to writing the historical fiction of sexuality.
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About Me
Retrospect Journal is the official History, Classics and Archaeology journal of the University of Edinburgh. We publish weekly features, academic articles, reviews and historical fiction, as well as a print journal twice a year. Make sure you follow us on social media for the latest news and events.
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