Notes from the Citadel: The Philosophy and Psychology of A Song of Ice and Fire

by Duncan Hubber

Overview

In Notes from the Citadel, Duncan Hubber (PhD) explores the philosophical and psychological depths of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy saga, A Song of Ice and Fire (the basis of the HBO series Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon). The anthology covers a range of topics, from Martin's postmodern approach to the fantasy genre to the effects of patriarchy, feudalism, and war upon his characters. Hubber's analysis combines academic scrutiny with a fervent adoration for Martin's work. While the night may be long and the wait between books grueling, these essays offer a wealth of new insights, granting veteran fans a fresh appreciation and understanding of Martin's story, characters, and writing.

List of Essays:
- A Shadow on the Wall: Collapsing the Metanarratives of Fantasy Fiction
- Below the Salt: The Meaning of Mealtime in Westeros
- In the End: The Existential Significance of Oldstones
- I Know Who I Am: Selfhood and Slavery in HBO's Game of Thrones
- A Thousand Faces and None: The Depersonalisation of Arya Stark
- Back in the Old Ways: The Restorative Nostalgia of the Ironborn
- The Acorn is the Oak: The Eternalist Philosophy of the Three-Eyed Crow
- Sympathy for the Devil: A Phenomenological Perspective of the Others
- Poisoned Memories: Linking Grief and Addiction in Martin's Characters
- When Life Gives You Lemon Trees: Evaluating the Conspiracy Mentality of the Ice and Fire Fandom

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798881110444
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	04/16/2024
Pages:	170
Sales rank:	538,270
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.36(d)

About the Author

Duncan Hubber is an academic at the University of Queensland whose research areas include horror films, screen trauma theory, the cinematic representation of urban spaces, and the collision of romanticism and postmodernism in fantasy literature.

His first book, POV Horror: The Trauma Aesthetic of the Found Footage Subgenre, was adapted from his PhD thesis and published in 2023. Duncan has published essays in Frames Cinema Journal and Tower of the Hand, as well as the collection Horror Comes Home. He has presented research at symposiums in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Duncan is one of the hosts of the Vassals of Kingsgrave, a podcast for fans of fantasy fiction and geek culture in general. He also hosts The Movie Passport, a podcast about world cinema. His second book, Notes from the Citadel: The Philosophy and Psychology of A Song of Ice and Fire, is scheduled to be released in 2024.

Duncan lives in Brisbane, Australia with his partner and their daughter.

Editorial Reviews

"That rarest of books... leads readers through a varied array of topics with insightful and fannish glee."

Westeros.Org - Elio García

"Truly engaging and razor-sharp analysis... a must read for serious fans of Martin's series."

Radio Westeros - Lady Gwynhyfvar

"Thorough and insightful... valuable to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series."

A Podcast of Ice and Fire - Amin Javadi

"In the best tradition of the great essays about Martin's series... a rewarding read."

Boiled Leather Audio Hour - Stefan Sasse

"Hubber's deep knowledge and infectious passion for the series (and its fans) will transport you back to Westeros... a must-have for the ASOIAF shelf on your bookcase."

Girls Gone Canon