A Theory of Adaptation explores the continuous development of creative adaptation, and argues that the practice of adapting is central to the story-telling imagination. Linda Hutcheon develops a theory of adaptation through a range of media, from film and opera, to video games, pop music and theme parks, analysing the breadth, scope and creative possibilities within each.
This new edition is supplemented by a new preface from the author, discussing both new adaptive forms/platforms and recent critical developments in the study of adaptation. It also features an illuminating new epilogue from Siobhan O’Flynn, focusing on adaptation in the context of digital media. She considers the impact of transmedia practices and properties on the form and practice of adaptation, as well as studying the extension of game narrative across media platforms, fan-based adaptation (from Twitter and Facebook to home movies), and the adaptation of books to digital formats.
A Theory of Adaptation is the ideal guide to this ever evolving field of study and is essential reading for anyone interested in adaptation in the context of literary and media studies.
Preface to the 1st Edition Preface to the Revised Edition Chapter 1 Beginning to Theorize Adaptation What? Who? Why? How? Where? When? Familiarity and Contempt Treating Adaptations as Adaptations Exactly What Gets Adapted? How? Double Vision: Defining Adaptation Adaptation as Product: Announced, Extensive, Specific Transcoding Adaptation as Process Modes of Engagement Framing Adaptation Chapter 2 What? (Forms) Medium Specificity Revisited Telling – Showing Showing – Showing Interacting - -Telling or Showing Cliché #1 Cliché #2 Cliché #3 Cliché #4 Learning from Practice Chapter 3 Who? Why? (Adapters) Who Is the Adapter? Why Adapt? The Economic Lures The Legal Constraints Cultural Capital Personal and Political Motives Learning from Practice Intentionality in Adaptations Chapter 4 How? (Audiences) The Pleasures of Adaptation Knowing and Unknowing Audiences Modes of Engagement Revisited Kinds and Degrees of Immersion Chapter 5 Where? When? (Contexts) The Vastness of Context Transcultural Adaptation Indigenization Learning from Practice Why Carmen? The Carmen Story—and Stereotype Indigenizing Carmen Chapter 6 Final Questions What Is Not an Adaptation? What Is the Appeal of Adaptations? Epilogue by Siobhan O’Flynn
Biography
Linda Hutcheon is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Toronto, Canada.
Siobhan O’Flynn is Senior Lecturer in the Canadian Studies Program at the University of Toronto, Canada and Adjunct Graduate Faculty in the OCADU/CFC Media Lab Digital Futures Masters Program.
The reviewers were asked if advances in digital media should be covered, and all agreed that they should. Opinions of the current edition are as follows.
'Hutcheon’s book is intelligent and accessible, two features that, unfortunately, rarely come together in academic writing.' - Professor Stephannie Gearhart, Bowling Green State University, US
'Overall I think the book offers an excellent look at the tremendously broad sweep of adaption as it encompasses myriad media.' - Professor David Marshall, California State University San Bernardino, US
'Hutcheon is a terrific theorist and students respond well to the assertive, agenda-shaping approach of this textbook.' - Professor Julie Sanders, University of Nottingham, UK
'The book offers a strong introduction to the study of adaptations.' - Dr David Watson, Uppsala University, Sweden
'The book is good – very solid.' - Dr Joyce Goggin, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
