Carnivale and the American Grotesque - by Peg Aloi & Hannah E Johnston (Paperback)

About the Book

HBO's Carnivale was a critically-acclaimed, elaborate period narrative set in Depression era America that set the stage for the current explosion of cinematic storytelling on television. Despite an ambitious and unusual storyline, remarkable production design and stellar cast, the show was cancelled after only two seasons. No other television series has been so steeped in history, spirituality and occultism, and years later it retains a cult-like following. This collection of fresh essays explores the series through a diverse array of topics, from visual aesthetics to tarot symbolism to sexuality to the portrayal of deformity.

Book Synopsis

HBO's Carnivale was a critically-acclaimed, elaborate period narrative set in Depression era America that set the stage for the current explosion of cinematic storytelling on television. Despite an ambitious and unusual storyline, remarkable production design and stellar cast, the show was cancelled after only two seasons. No other television series has been so steeped in history, spirituality and occultism, and years later it retains a cult-like following. This collection of fresh essays explores the series through a diverse array of topics, from visual aesthetics to tarot symbolism to sexuality to the portrayal of deformity.

About the Author

Peg Aloi teaches film and media studies at SUNY New Paltz. She is a published poet, a freelance film critic, and a traditional singer. She lives in upstate New York. Hannah E. Johnston has recently published a monograph on children in paganism and works as an independent scholar, musician and blogger. She lives in the United Kingdom.