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The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty
Neil Gaiman is one of the most widely known writers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, having produced fiction and nonfiction, fantasy and horror, television, comics, and prose. He often attributes this eclecticism to his “compost heap” approach to writing, gathering inspiration from life, religion, literature, and mythology.
Readers love to sink into Gaiman’s medieval worlds—but what makes them “medieval”? Shiloh Carroll offers an introduction to the idea of medievalism, how the literature and culture of the Middle Ages have been reinterpreted and repurposed over the centuries, and how the layers of interpretation have impacted Gaiman’s own use of medieval material. She examines influences from Norse mythology and Beowulf to medieval romances and fairy tales in order to expand readers’ understanding and appreciation of Gaiman’s work, as well as the rest of the medievalist films, TV shows, and books that are so popular today.
Readers love to sink into Gaiman’s medieval worlds—but what makes them “medieval”? Shiloh Carroll offers an introduction to the idea of medievalism, how the literature and culture of the Middle Ages have been reinterpreted and repurposed over the centuries, and how the layers of interpretation have impacted Gaiman’s own use of medieval material. She examines influences from Norse mythology and Beowulf to medieval romances and fairy tales in order to expand readers’ understanding and appreciation of Gaiman’s work, as well as the rest of the medievalist films, TV shows, and books that are so popular today.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
222 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 20, 2023
3.5 rounded up
As an avid Neil Gaiman fan and a medieval historian, this was one I just had to pick up. I'm left with mixed feelings, but it is a solid lit crit piece of work. Gaiman's backlist is huge and medievalism is everywhere in it, so this is not and cannot be exhaustive. Carroll does admirably in giving a cross section of Gaiman's work and types of medievalism. There's nothing mind-blowing here, but it's a good primer if you are not as familiar with medieval literature. Carroll covers a lot of ground with types of medieval literature that will have you rethinking Gaiman's works if you were not familiar with it.
My biggest qualm with the book is wanting more argument and reasoning for an overall picture from Carroll rather than a train of analysis of individual examples. Near the end she does throw some generalizations in about Gaiman's use of the medieval, but it isn't treated as a functional frame for her analysis as it could be.
Also, I know it isnt standard for lit crit, but the author is very approachable. Where are Gaiman's views on the medieval from himself?
As an avid Neil Gaiman fan and a medieval historian, this was one I just had to pick up. I'm left with mixed feelings, but it is a solid lit crit piece of work. Gaiman's backlist is huge and medievalism is everywhere in it, so this is not and cannot be exhaustive. Carroll does admirably in giving a cross section of Gaiman's work and types of medievalism. There's nothing mind-blowing here, but it's a good primer if you are not as familiar with medieval literature. Carroll covers a lot of ground with types of medieval literature that will have you rethinking Gaiman's works if you were not familiar with it.
My biggest qualm with the book is wanting more argument and reasoning for an overall picture from Carroll rather than a train of analysis of individual examples. Near the end she does throw some generalizations in about Gaiman's use of the medieval, but it isn't treated as a functional frame for her analysis as it could be.
Also, I know it isnt standard for lit crit, but the author is very approachable. Where are Gaiman's views on the medieval from himself?
September 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the University of Iowa Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman is an excellent blend of academic prose and modern fantasy. It is obvious how much time, dedication and passion went into the writing of this book. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a different lens to view Gaimen’s work or for anyone with an interest in Medievalism.
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August 14, 2023Thank you to Netgalley and University of Iowa Press for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman will be available on September 28th.
If you’re looking at the book title and description and thinking, “That sounds like an academic essay”, well you’re not wrong. Be aware that it reads like one: the language is a bit stiff and formal, and the organization is that of a school paper. That isn’t a bad thing, but it is something to know to expect.
The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman explores the medieval influences on Gaiman’s writing. And there are many. Some- such as Milton and Dante- are exceedingly obvious, but there are a few that are harder to pick out. I have to admit, the part that I found most interesting was the introduction. Take from that what you will. I’m still not sure what to make of that myself.
See, I wanted more. More detail, a closer examination, but also somehow less wordiness. What can I say? I’m a contradiction myself sometimes. The information is fascinating as far as it goes, but so much of it came across as surface level. There was almost more time spent on recapping whatever Sandman issue was being discussed, for example, than there was on the influences that informed the issue. That being said, when the author got into the nitty gritty, there were some fantastic and thought-provoking observations.
I feel like The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman is an excellent conversation starter. There’s more than enough there to start a lively debate, and some parts practically beg the reader to do their own research and see what they discover. This is a book to take in pieces, with a large dose of musing. At the end of the day, The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman was more of a “Hmm” than a “Eureka!” for me.
If you’re looking at the book title and description and thinking, “That sounds like an academic essay”, well you’re not wrong. Be aware that it reads like one: the language is a bit stiff and formal, and the organization is that of a school paper. That isn’t a bad thing, but it is something to know to expect.
The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman explores the medieval influences on Gaiman’s writing. And there are many. Some- such as Milton and Dante- are exceedingly obvious, but there are a few that are harder to pick out. I have to admit, the part that I found most interesting was the introduction. Take from that what you will. I’m still not sure what to make of that myself.
See, I wanted more. More detail, a closer examination, but also somehow less wordiness. What can I say? I’m a contradiction myself sometimes. The information is fascinating as far as it goes, but so much of it came across as surface level. There was almost more time spent on recapping whatever Sandman issue was being discussed, for example, than there was on the influences that informed the issue. That being said, when the author got into the nitty gritty, there were some fantastic and thought-provoking observations.
I feel like The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman is an excellent conversation starter. There’s more than enough there to start a lively debate, and some parts practically beg the reader to do their own research and see what they discover. This is a book to take in pieces, with a large dose of musing. At the end of the day, The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman was more of a “Hmm” than a “Eureka!” for me.
August 4, 2024
Fun look back at Gaiman before the consumption.
August 7, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher University of Iowa Press for a advanced copy of this new book that looks at the influences and works cited by fabulist Neil Gaiman in his many works, but especially his run on the DC comics classic Sandman.
There have been many events that have changed the comic book industry, the Comics Code, the direct market debacle, even Watchman and The Dark Knight. Some ruined the industry for a time, some gave it heft that didn't appear till later, but outside of two men thinking of Superman, or Stan and Jack and many others creating the Fantastic Four, has anything affected comics as much as Sandman has. Watchman and The Dark Knight, were big, bold, but still dealt with men and women in dressed up tights, fighting crime. Sandman had larger themes, bigger ideas, and even better was a draw to those who had never, and would never have looked at a comic book before. Women entered comic book stores, and began to get interested, marginalised people could look at the Sandman and say, hey that's me. College professors could use it to teach, other artists could borrow ideas, and nerds like me could use it as a gateway drug to get people involved in comics. And look cool. Sandman probably kept DC going. Statues, T-shirts collections, Annotated collections, movie rights and more. Neil Gaiman had created a work that spoke to him, that drew on things he liked and wanted to share. And others followed. The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty by Shiloh Carroll is a look at Gaiman's use of medieval inspirations examining sources, tracing facts and pointing out story influences from not only Sandman, but Gaiman's other works as well.
The book begins with a character from the Sandman comic complaining about a Renaissance fair not getting the smells of the medieval times right. The character has been made immortal in a deal between Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams and his sister Death. This character knows the medieval world and it sure isn't what one sees in a weekend faire. From here the author describes some medieval ideas, and how Gaiman uses them before looking at the main work here. Sandman. The author follows the storyline, looking to the medieval sources that Gaiman used, giving examples, and correcter where necessary. The chapters follow the comic, the trip to hell, the fates and the furies, the crossover of other religions and mythology. Carroll also looks at other books by Gaiman, Neverwhere and Starlight, with more examples and comparisons.
A different look at Gaiman and his use of stories, history, myths and ideas to tell his tale, incorporating them into his dialogue, and the backstory of many of his creations. I have read the Annotated Sandman, which does a good job pointing out things, but this book does a better job comparing the basis of the information and how Gaiman uses it. I found most interesting that Gaiman kept drawing more and more as the series went on, drawing on the well of medieval knowledge to further his stories. The writing is good, not a lecture on paper, or a thesis for a degree, but a friendly kind of look at what Gaiman did here kind of telling. Helpful and educational without being dull or droll.
Great gift for Gaiman fans, and works as both a introduction to the works, and a guide for those familiar with the work. Very well written, and endlessly interesting.
There have been many events that have changed the comic book industry, the Comics Code, the direct market debacle, even Watchman and The Dark Knight. Some ruined the industry for a time, some gave it heft that didn't appear till later, but outside of two men thinking of Superman, or Stan and Jack and many others creating the Fantastic Four, has anything affected comics as much as Sandman has. Watchman and The Dark Knight, were big, bold, but still dealt with men and women in dressed up tights, fighting crime. Sandman had larger themes, bigger ideas, and even better was a draw to those who had never, and would never have looked at a comic book before. Women entered comic book stores, and began to get interested, marginalised people could look at the Sandman and say, hey that's me. College professors could use it to teach, other artists could borrow ideas, and nerds like me could use it as a gateway drug to get people involved in comics. And look cool. Sandman probably kept DC going. Statues, T-shirts collections, Annotated collections, movie rights and more. Neil Gaiman had created a work that spoke to him, that drew on things he liked and wanted to share. And others followed. The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty by Shiloh Carroll is a look at Gaiman's use of medieval inspirations examining sources, tracing facts and pointing out story influences from not only Sandman, but Gaiman's other works as well.
The book begins with a character from the Sandman comic complaining about a Renaissance fair not getting the smells of the medieval times right. The character has been made immortal in a deal between Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams and his sister Death. This character knows the medieval world and it sure isn't what one sees in a weekend faire. From here the author describes some medieval ideas, and how Gaiman uses them before looking at the main work here. Sandman. The author follows the storyline, looking to the medieval sources that Gaiman used, giving examples, and correcter where necessary. The chapters follow the comic, the trip to hell, the fates and the furies, the crossover of other religions and mythology. Carroll also looks at other books by Gaiman, Neverwhere and Starlight, with more examples and comparisons.
A different look at Gaiman and his use of stories, history, myths and ideas to tell his tale, incorporating them into his dialogue, and the backstory of many of his creations. I have read the Annotated Sandman, which does a good job pointing out things, but this book does a better job comparing the basis of the information and how Gaiman uses it. I found most interesting that Gaiman kept drawing more and more as the series went on, drawing on the well of medieval knowledge to further his stories. The writing is good, not a lecture on paper, or a thesis for a degree, but a friendly kind of look at what Gaiman did here kind of telling. Helpful and educational without being dull or droll.
Great gift for Gaiman fans, and works as both a introduction to the works, and a guide for those familiar with the work. Very well written, and endlessly interesting.
January 7, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty is a well written and considered analysis of Gaiman's oeuvre and how it relates to historical narrative storytelling by Shiloh Carroll. Released 27th Sept 2023 by The University of Iowa Press, it's 222 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This -is- a moderately academically oriented book, from an academic press, by an intelligent and engaged author writing about.... writing. That being said, although it's a niche book on a relatively esoteric subject, it's eminently really readable , relevant, and fun.
The book is well annotated throughout, and Carroll manages to compare extant Neil Gaiman works to their historical background and set them in a framework, showing how they inform and are informed by disparate sources such as Beowulf, the Norrønt, Shakespeare, European fairy tale traditions, and more.
It's written with a lot more wit and humor than one generally sees in academic writing; as such, it will be appreciated by a wider readership including fans of NG, modern cinema, general fantasy, dark fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and more (even academics who are scandalized by the thought of anything that comes after Le Fanu will find interesting stuff here).
Five stars. Well worth acquisition by school or public library, writers, readers of spec. fic., Gaiman fans who also enjoy seeing how the machinery fits together, and readers who enjoy reading about writing. The chapter notes and annotations, bibliography, and index are likely worth the price of admission.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty is a well written and considered analysis of Gaiman's oeuvre and how it relates to historical narrative storytelling by Shiloh Carroll. Released 27th Sept 2023 by The University of Iowa Press, it's 222 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This -is- a moderately academically oriented book, from an academic press, by an intelligent and engaged author writing about.... writing. That being said, although it's a niche book on a relatively esoteric subject, it's eminently really readable , relevant, and fun.
The book is well annotated throughout, and Carroll manages to compare extant Neil Gaiman works to their historical background and set them in a framework, showing how they inform and are informed by disparate sources such as Beowulf, the Norrønt, Shakespeare, European fairy tale traditions, and more.
It's written with a lot more wit and humor than one generally sees in academic writing; as such, it will be appreciated by a wider readership including fans of NG, modern cinema, general fantasy, dark fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and more (even academics who are scandalized by the thought of anything that comes after Le Fanu will find interesting stuff here).
Five stars. Well worth acquisition by school or public library, writers, readers of spec. fic., Gaiman fans who also enjoy seeing how the machinery fits together, and readers who enjoy reading about writing. The chapter notes and annotations, bibliography, and index are likely worth the price of admission.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 13, 2023
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit https://www.ManofLaBook.com
The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty by Shiloh Carroll takes a look at how Gaiman’s style blended myths and legends for modern audience into a unique way of storytelling . Ms. Carroll is an author and academic, with a PhD in English Literature.
As a big fan of Neil Gaiman, I couldn’t pass this book by without giving it a try. I have read the majority of his works, and even attended a live reading last year.
This is an academic work, interesting but could be dry at times. The author spends most of the book examining The Sandman series, especially Morpheus’ trip to hell. I found that part fascinating and made me look at the book in a new way which I never thought about.
The academic voice of The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman by Shiloh Carroll does not make an exciting read. This is especially true when the author discusses some of Mr. Gaiman’s lesser-known works or short stories.
Each chapter in the book takes a look at either one work, or a broader theme that has to do with perceived medieval life (medievalist). I thought it was interesting that there’s a whole field of study about the fact that the medieval society that never existed thrives in modern literature.
Besides Sandman, the book also discusses Stardust, American Gods and Norse Mythology among others. The last two chapters are dedicate d to Beowulf’s movie adaptation (screenplay by Gaiman), and two short stories which are a loose retelling of the poem.
Overall, I found this book fascinating and will certainly look at the works which the author mentioned with new eyes. While not necessary to know the source material Mr. Gaiman based his stories on, it certainly adds another layer of enjoyment to, what already are wonderful works.
The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty by Shiloh Carroll takes a look at how Gaiman’s style blended myths and legends for modern audience into a unique way of storytelling . Ms. Carroll is an author and academic, with a PhD in English Literature.
As a big fan of Neil Gaiman, I couldn’t pass this book by without giving it a try. I have read the majority of his works, and even attended a live reading last year.
This is an academic work, interesting but could be dry at times. The author spends most of the book examining The Sandman series, especially Morpheus’ trip to hell. I found that part fascinating and made me look at the book in a new way which I never thought about.
The academic voice of The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman by Shiloh Carroll does not make an exciting read. This is especially true when the author discusses some of Mr. Gaiman’s lesser-known works or short stories.
Each chapter in the book takes a look at either one work, or a broader theme that has to do with perceived medieval life (medievalist). I thought it was interesting that there’s a whole field of study about the fact that the medieval society that never existed thrives in modern literature.
Besides Sandman, the book also discusses Stardust, American Gods and Norse Mythology among others. The last two chapters are dedicate d to Beowulf’s movie adaptation (screenplay by Gaiman), and two short stories which are a loose retelling of the poem.
Overall, I found this book fascinating and will certainly look at the works which the author mentioned with new eyes. While not necessary to know the source material Mr. Gaiman based his stories on, it certainly adds another layer of enjoyment to, what already are wonderful works.
June 27, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. To truly appreciate this, you should have read Gaimans work and watched some of the movies he was involved in. A ton a time went into this book and it showed on every page with every detail that went into it. I am excited for release date to purchase my own copy so I can high light and make important notes.
August 18, 2023
This started some great conversations in our Neil Gaiman obsessed family. It was quite an academic book but fairly easy reading it you want to know more to the background of many of Mr. Gaimans stories. My teen grandchildren and daughter all read this and loved it. Stardust is still the best, just saying !
November 15, 2023
4.5 Stars.
I read this book for November nonfiction readathon and because I tried to read all of Gaiman's books this year.
The author did such an amazing job on this book. I like to read and learn about what inspired and influenced some of my favorite authors in creating their works. (Warning: there are big spoilers in this book.)
I read this book for November nonfiction readathon and because I tried to read all of Gaiman's books this year.
The author did such an amazing job on this book. I like to read and learn about what inspired and influenced some of my favorite authors in creating their works. (Warning: there are big spoilers in this book.)
January 29, 2024
Short but clear and to the point. Carrol does exactly as they state they are going to do. I can certainly see why the selection was narrowed down due to the scope of Gaiman's work.
A good read for anyone interested in either subject.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
A good read for anyone interested in either subject.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2023
to no one's surprise the chapter on Stardust was my favorite
May 8, 2025
A bit difficult to read now, given everything that's come out about Gaiman in the past year.
December 30, 2023
If you know your medieval literature and your Gaiman, there isn't much in Shiloh Carroll's book that will be new to you. That being said, "The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty" was a pleasure to read.
The chapters are structured around a combination of individual works and broader medievalist themes. It feels very intuitive when reading the book, as the conversation moves naturally from one topic to the next. Anyway:
- the Sandman gets three chapters (one to discuss morality plays, one to discuss dream visions, one to discuss Dante)
- The Books of Magic, Good Omens, Stardust, American Gods and Norse Mythology each get a chapter of their own
- another chapter is reserved for fable/fairy tale adaptations
- two chapters are dedicated to Beowulf: one for the movie adaptation, another one for two short form texts, "Bay Wolf" and "The Monarch of the Glen"
The author could have gone into more detail, I think, but it's interesting to see *so many* medieval influences on Gaiman's work in a single place. It really brings out how much of his work is based on medieval stories, transformed, modernized, reinterpreted - absorbed and then reused.
I also found it fascinating to read the chapter on the Beowulf movie, where the two scriptwriters had different perspectives: Gaiman wrote a story based on Beowulf and had fun with it, Avary thought there were plot holes in the source text and wanted to fix them, and the director didn't like the poem at all and wanted the story done otherwise. It really highlights one of the themes of Carroll's book: that medieval works are perceived and reused in all sorts of ways, with this and that element changed or reused.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and University Of Iowa Press for the free ARC.
The chapters are structured around a combination of individual works and broader medievalist themes. It feels very intuitive when reading the book, as the conversation moves naturally from one topic to the next. Anyway:
- the Sandman gets three chapters (one to discuss morality plays, one to discuss dream visions, one to discuss Dante)
- The Books of Magic, Good Omens, Stardust, American Gods and Norse Mythology each get a chapter of their own
- another chapter is reserved for fable/fairy tale adaptations
- two chapters are dedicated to Beowulf: one for the movie adaptation, another one for two short form texts, "Bay Wolf" and "The Monarch of the Glen"
The author could have gone into more detail, I think, but it's interesting to see *so many* medieval influences on Gaiman's work in a single place. It really brings out how much of his work is based on medieval stories, transformed, modernized, reinterpreted - absorbed and then reused.
I also found it fascinating to read the chapter on the Beowulf movie, where the two scriptwriters had different perspectives: Gaiman wrote a story based on Beowulf and had fun with it, Avary thought there were plot holes in the source text and wanted to fix them, and the director didn't like the poem at all and wanted the story done otherwise. It really highlights one of the themes of Carroll's book: that medieval works are perceived and reused in all sorts of ways, with this and that element changed or reused.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and University Of Iowa Press for the free ARC.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews