| Reviews |
'The book is impressively thorough, detailed and innovative in its approach to authorship withincontemporary media and television studies and will be invaluable not only to scholars orfans of Whedon's works but to academics in the field.'Journal Critical Studies in Television 'Matthew Pateman's new book is an essential addition to the collection of all Whedon scholars and fans. Pateman's accounts of each of Whedon's major television shows are informed by detailed research into the surrounding contexts of creative working relationships, network negotiations, and television programming strategies. This fresh angle of approach, coupled with a sharp eye for textual detail, adds breadth and depth to our understanding of these shows, of Whedon, and of broader questions of agency and structure in television production.' James A Zborowski, University of Hull'Matthew Pateman's Joss Whedon is a timely reflection on Whedon's place as a leading figure in contemporary TV production and a cult figure within popular media. Challenging traditional notions of the single creative artist, Pateman examines the complex tapestry of creative partnerships, cultural and industrial contexts, political engagements and multi-media platforms that have shaped Whedon's output and his cult auteur-image. Rich in insight, detailed analysis and scholarly rigor - expressed with passion for the material in Pateman's own inimitable style - this a must-read for the Whedon fan and the TV scholar. This not just the Whedon book we want but the Whedon book we need.'Stacey Abbott, Reader in Film and Television Studies at the University of Roehampton, 'The book is impressively thorough, detailed and innovative in its approach to authorship within contemporary media and television studies and will be invaluable not only to scholars or fans of Whedon's works but to academics in the field.' Journal Critical Studies in Television 'Matthew Pateman's new book is an essential addition to the collection of all Whedon scholars and fans. Pateman's accounts of each of Whedon's major television shows are informed by detailed research into the surrounding contexts of creative working relationships, network negotiations, and television programming strategies. This fresh angle of approach, coupled with a sharp eye for textual detail, adds breadth and depth to our understanding of these shows, of Whedon, and of broader questions of agency and structure in television production.' James A Zborowski, University of Hull 'Matthew Pateman's Joss Whedon is a timely reflection on Whedon's place as a leading figure in contemporary TV production and a cult figure within popular media. Challenging traditional notions of the single creative artist, Pateman examines the complex tapestry of creative partnerships, cultural and industrial contexts, political engagements and multi-media platforms that have shaped Whedon's output and his cult auteur-image. Rich in insight, detailed analysis and scholarly rigor - expressed with passion for the material in Pateman's own inimitable style - this a must-read for the Whedon fan and the TV scholar. This not just the Whedon book we want but the Whedon book we need.' Stacey Abbott, Reader in Film and Television Studies at the University of Roehampton, 'Matthew Pateman's new book is an essential addition to the collection of all Whedon scholars and fans. Pateman's accounts of each of Whedon's major television shows are informed by detailed research into the surrounding contexts of creative working relationships, network negotiations, and television programming strategies. This fresh angle of approach, coupled with a sharp eye for textual detail, adds breadth and depth to our understanding of these shows, of Whedon, and of broader questions of agency and structure in television production.' James A Zborowski, University of Hull 'Matthew Pateman's Joss Whedon is a timely reflection on Whedon's place as a leading figure in contemporary TV production and a cult figure within popular media. Challenging traditional notions of the single creative artist, Pateman examines the complex tapestry of creative partnerships, cultural and industrial contexts, political engagements and multi-media platforms that have shaped Whedon's output and his cult auteur-image. Rich in insight, detailed analysis and scholarly rigor - expressed with passion for the material in Pateman's own inimitable style - this a must-read for the Whedon fan and the TV scholar. This not just the Whedon book we want but the Whedon book we need.' Stacey Abbott, Reader in Film and Television Studies at the University of Roehampton, "Matthew Pateman's new book is an essential addition to the collection of all Whedon scholars and fans. Pateman's accounts of each of Whedon's major television shows are informed by detailed research into the surrounding contexts of creative working relationships, network negotiations, and television programming strategies. This fresh angle of approach, coupled with a sharp eye for textual detail, adds breadth and depth to our understanding of these shows, of Whedon, and of broader questions of agency and structure in television production." - James A Zborowski, University of Hull, "Matthew Pateman's new book is an essential addition to the collection of all Whedon scholars and fans. Pateman's accounts of each of Whedon's major television shows are informed by detailed research into the surrounding contexts of creative working relationships, network negotiations, and television programming strategies. This fresh angle of approach, coupled with a sharp eye for textual detail, adds breadth and depth to our understanding of these shows, of Whedon, and of broader questions of agency and structure in television production." - James A Zborowski, University of Hull "Matthew Pateman's Joss Whedon is a timely reflection on Whedon's place as a leading figure in contemporary TV production and a cult figure within popular media. Challenging traditional notions of the single creative artist, Pateman examines the complex tapestry of creative partnerships, cultural and industrial contexts, political engagements and multi-media platforms that have shaped Whedon's output and his cult auteur-image. Rich in insight, detailed analysis and scholarly rigor - expressed with passion for the material in Pateman's own inimitable style - this a must-read for the Whedon fan and the TV scholar. This not just the Whedon book we want but the Whedon book we need." - Stacey Abbott, Reader in Film and Television Studies at the University of Roehampton |
| Synopsis |
Joss Whedon is one of the most influential figures in popular culture today. A mainstream filmmaker with an independent sensibility, he is equally at home working on blockbuster productions like The Avengers and more personal projects. But it is in his television work, particularly the era-defining Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that Whedon has done most to develop his distinctive style and themes. Celebrating and analysing the TV shows as works of mass-mediated public art, this book rejects the straightforward notion of Whedon as 'television auteur'. Instead, it explores the wider industrial, technological, political and economic contexts that have both influenced and been influenced by him. Based on key source material, including drafts of episodes from across Whedon's career and unique correspondence with Whedon collaborator Jane Espenson, it offers unparalleled insights into the creative process behind such favourites as Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Angel , Dollhouse and Firefly . Energetic, engaging and informed by meticulous scholarship, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Joss Whedon's work. It is also a timely and important re-invigoration of television studies. It will appeal to students and scholars of contemporary history, pop culture, aesthetics and mass art, as well as fans who want to learn more about the shows they love., This book assesses Joss Whedon's contribution to US television and popular culture. Examining everything from his earliest work to his most recent tweets and activist videos, it explores his complex and contradictory roles as both cult outsider and blockbuster filmmaker. Crucially, the book insists on the wider industrial, technological, political and economic contexts that have both influenced and been influenced by Whedon, rejecting the notion of Whedon as isolated television auteur.Using key source material, with exclusive access to drafts of many of the episodes across Whedon's career, as well as unique correspondence with Whedon collaborator Jane Espenson, this book offers unparalleled access to the creative process that helped produce the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse and Firefly. Energetic, engaging and informed by detailed scholarship and theoretical rigour, the book is not just an essential addition to the study of Whedon, but a timely and important re-invigoration of television studies in general. -- ., This book assesses Joss Whedon's contribution to US television and popular culture. Examining everything from his earliest work to his most recent tweets and activist videos, it explores his complex and contradictory roles as both cult outsider and blockbuster filmmaker. Crucially, the book insists on the wider industrial, technological, political and economic contexts that have both influenced and been influenced by Whedon, rejecting the notion of Whedon as isolated television auteur. Using key source material, with exclusive access to drafts of many of the episodes across Whedon's career, as well as unique correspondence with Whedon collaborator Jane Espenson, this book offers unparalleled access to the creative process that helped produce the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse and Firefly. Energetic, engaging and informed by detailed scholarship and theoretical rigour, the book is not just an essential addition to the study of Whedon, but a timely and important re-invigoration of television studies in general., A comprehensive analysis of Whedon's role in shaping the twenty-first-century TV landscape, featuring unique access to drafts of scripts and other source material. The book offers both detailed assessments of individual episodes and overarching histories of production. An essential and timely contribution to TV scholarship. -- . |
Hottie Sunlask
A must-read for any Joss Whedon fan! This hardcover dives deep into his impact on TV and pop culture, covering everything from *Buffy* to his activism. Pateman’s analysis is sharp, balancing Whedon’s creative genius with the industry forces shaping his work. The book feels fresh, well-researched, and engaging—perfect for understanding why Whedon’s storytelling resonates so powerfully. Arrived brand new and shipped fast—highly recommend!