Twilight and History - Paperback

by Nancy R. Reagin (Editor)

The first look at the history behind Stephenie Meyer's bestselling Twilight series, timed to release with the third movie, Eclipse

The characters of the Twilight Saga carry a rich history that shapes their identities and actions over the course of the series. Edward, for instance, may look like a seventeen-year-old teen heartthrob, but was actually born in 1901 and died during the Spanish Influenza of 1918. His adopted sister, Alice, was imprisoned in an insane asylum in 1920 and treated so badly there that even becoming a vampire was a welcome escape. This book is the first to explore the history behind the Twilight Saga's characters and their stories. You'll learn about what life might have been like for Jasper Whitlock Hale, the Confederate vampire who fought during the Civil War, Carlisle Cullen, the Puritan witch hunter-turned-vampire who participated in the witchcraft persecutions in Early Modern England, and the history of the Quileute culture that shaped Jacob and his people -and much more.

• Gives you the historical backdrop for Twilight Saga characters and events
• Adds a whole new dimension to the Twilight novels and movies
• Offers fresh insights on vampires, romance, and history

Twilight and History is an essential companion for every Twilight fan, whether you've just gotten into the series or have followed it since the beginning.

Front Jacket

What were the social norms of the world that Edward grew up in?

(Hint: Bella's guesses were a little off.)

Considering the history of the Quileute people, was Team Jacob always doomed?

What would Jasper have experienced as a Civil War soldier?

Are the Volturi typical Italian Renaissance rulers?

What was childhood like in seventeenth-century London, where Carlisle was born?

The answers to these compelling questions and more can be found inside Twilight and History. From Renaissance Italy to the persecution of suspected witches in early modern England to the American Civil War, the Cullens and other immortals in the Twilight series have witnessed many of the defining events that shaped the modern world. This book is the first to look at the wealth of history that shaped the identities of Twilight's characters and influenced their actions. With timelines comparing Twilight Saga history with real human history, it is the perfect Twilight companion for history lovers and Twilight fans to bite into, adding a new dimension to the series and providing compelling historical background on Stephenie Meyer's characters and plotlines.

Back Jacket

What were the social norms of the world that Edward grew up in? (Hint: Bella's guesses were a little off.)

Considering the history of the Quileute people, was Team Jacob always doomed?

What would Jasper have experienced as a Civil War soldier?

Are the Volturi typical Italian Renaissance rulers?

What was childhood like in seventeenth-century London, where Carlisle was born?

The answers to these compelling questions and more can be found inside "Twilight and History." From Renaissance Italy to the persecution of suspected witches in early modern England to the American Civil War, the Cullens and other immortals in the "Twilight" series have witnessed many of the defining events that shaped the modern world. This book is the first to look at the wealth of history that shaped the identities of "Twilight"'s characters and influenced their actions. With timelines comparing Twilight Saga history with real human history, it is the perfect "Twilight" companion for history lovers and "Twilight" fans to bite into, adding a new dimension to the series and providing compelling historical background on Stephenie Meyer's characters and plotlines.

Author Biography

Nancy R. Reagin is a professor of history and women's and gender studies at Pace University, who has published several books in modern European history. Her current research focuses on the history of literary fan communities. She's also an active fan who has worked on fan archives and Web sites, and has helped build fan organizations. She rooted for Team Jacob long after most reasonable people would have given up hope.