The Myth of Superwoman
Book Details
Reading Info
About This Book
Reviled by critics but loved by the readers, the bestseller has until recently provoked little serious critical interest. In The Myth of Superwoman, originally published in 1990, Resa Dudovitz looks at this international phenomenon, particularly at the origins of the bestseller system in the United States and France. Her cross-cultural study, including interviews with publishers, literary agents, and bestselling authors, gives a lively picture of the contrasting ways in which the bestseller is p
Our Review
This cultural study offers a fascinating look at the international bestseller phenomenon through a cross-cultural lens, examining how popular fiction achieves blockbuster status in both the United States and France. Dudovitz investigates the publishing industry's mechanics through interviews with publishers, agents, and bestselling authors, revealing the contrasting systems that propel books to commercial success. The work stands out for treating bestselling fiction as worthy of serious academic analysis rather than dismissing it as mere entertainment. Originally published in 1990, this study remains relevant for understanding how cultural values shape literary markets.
What makes this analysis particularly compelling is its focus on the gendered dimensions of bestseller lists and the "Superwoman" myth that often permeates popular fiction. Readers interested in publishing industry dynamics, feminist literary criticism, or comparative cultural studies will find rich material in Dudovitz's accessible yet scholarly approach. The book successfully bridges the gap between academic rigor and general interest, offering insights that remain surprisingly current about how commercial success shapes literary culture across national boundaries.
Themes
Subjects
Looking for more books?
Visit our sister site BooksbyOrder.com