Twilight and History (Wiley Pop Culture and History Series)

I loved the Twilight History as it relates to something of an explanation of the time when the Cullens were there. Because I have so loved reading The Twilight Saga, 1,2,3,4 and having read each at least two times; I was moresounderstanding of the era in which the characters lived. (And By The Way, I am not a reader)I am a now 65 year old great grandmother, and I can honestly say these are probably the first books I've read, understood and enjoyed. I love reading them over and over. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have watched the movies. I am now working on my 80+ year old mother and she's coming to like the Saga as well. At least after seeing the second movie, she's coming around. She found it's getting more interesting.It was a then 13 year old girl, of a friend of mine; that got me interested in January of this year. When New Moon came out in February and I watched it with their family, I looked at her and said "Do I have to wait for the next one". She said "Yup", "Unless you want to read the books". That's all it took. Of course at that time she'd already read all four books and knew the outcome.I Love The Saga, and the characters couldn't be more perfect for their parts. I, as well as others in my family, five generations in all; are patiently awaiting the "Breaking Dawn" two part movies. Keep up the good work, Stephenie Meyer, and all the cast and directors involved. Thanx for not making them "human blood drinkers", and humanizing the family to live with/among us. I'm waiting for my "Perfect Vampire" to sweep me off my feet. Karen

Twilight and History, edited by Nancy R. Reagin, is an absolute must for any Twilight fan. Each Cullen was turned during a specific historical, social, and cultural point in history and this context defines each one, and their attitudes, relationships, and behaviors throughout the Saga. I've not only read this book once, I've read it twice, and will go back to it again, because it's informative, entertaining and insightful. Reagin has collected a treasure trove of essays by academics who explore their subjects in readable style. I enjoyed all the essays (even those with points of view with which I disagreed), but especially those that explored: Quileute history and Jacob; the manners, mores, and courting practices of Edward's day, and why he is more Victorian than cusp-of-Jazz Age Edwardian; why the Voluturi are like the Medicis; how the Cullen teens adapted their roles to fit changing times over the 20th Century, and how Twilight invokes fairy tales and the American Dream (an examination of Meyer's Mormon beliefs would have taken this essay even further--see  Spotlight: A Close-Up Look at the Artistry and Meaning of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga . The character studies, though, were my favorites, in particular, Elizabeth Baird Hardy's two essays that rescue Jasper (Southern man) and Emmett (Appalachian man) from tired stereotype, showing how they reflect their times and experiences. Grace Loiacono and Laura Loiacono do a fine job examining the history of mental health treatment and the appalling mental asylums of Alice's day. Twilight and History is an invaluable companion to the Twilight Saga.

I love this book, as a twi-hard of the first order it was a fun read from start to finish. Disappointing aspect...............that it was not written by Stephanie Myers. I think it's tie she really listened to her fans and continues with the Saga, there is so much unsaid in the books and while she touches on Japers and Rosalie's connection to the Cullen what about the others. In this book it explores the possibilities of Carlisle's beginnings and Edwards, hardly a word about Esme or Emmet and barley a mention of Alice. I want to know their stories. And breaking Dawn (my favourite book) leaves the door wide open for a continuing story. but I want to hear those things from the pen of Ms. Myers. It's sort of like Gone with the Wind, there have been several attempts to find out what Scarlet does about "another day" will Rhett come back to her,?????? etc etc but other authors just haven't been able to connect with the audience the way Margaret Mitchell did, so it is with The Twilight Saga.I love the way the book opens with the Twilight timeline and the human time line, and as said.........it's fun, it's probable, and at the same time improbable but it makes you think or I should say wonder, and I like that. Enjoy, take it for what it is and then write to Stephanie Myers and tell her to put pen to paper

Needed it to finish my collection

I am absolutely in love with this book! I bought one for me and one for my sister, and we can’t put them down! It gives you so much information on the characters background stories, and answers so many questions you never even knew you had! It is a must purchase and read!

Twilight and History is a collection of essays edited by Nancy Reagin; I did not know this when I ordered it off amazon. The authors are all professors of English Literature and History from well known universities; what are a bit interesting is the descriptions of each of the authors at the conclusion of the book.Most of the book was fairly good. Some was just worthless though. One essay put Bella and Edward in each of the different decades and played out their story according to the "normal" relationship trends of the time. In one decade Bella and Edward get divorced. ... No person in a Twilight Trance wants to read that garbage!I enjoyed the chapters about the historical time periods the best. Emmett and Appalachia, Alice in the Asylum, Rosalie at the turn of the century, Jasper during the Civil War, and Carlisle in Puritan England. Another notable chapter was the history and current events of the Quileute Tribe in La Push. A quick supplemental read for anyone really into history. If your a history major and stuck in the Twilight Trance, give it a go, its not horrible.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The level is rather high, the kind of essay you read when you study literature at college. It reminded me of my years at university studying English!!! It has nothing to do with the films. You won't read any gossip about Robsten. The different chapters really deal with history, you are told about the historical references in the Twilight saga.