Although folklore has been collected for centuries, its possible unconscious content and significance have been explored only since the advent of psychoanalytic theory. Freud and some of his early disciples recognized the potential of such folklorist genres as myth, folktale, and legend to illuminate the intricate workings of the human psyche. Alan Dundes is a renowned folklorist who has successfully devoted the better part of his career to applying psychoanalytic theory to the materials of folklore. From Game to War offers five of his most mature essays on this topic. Dundes begins with a comprehensive survey of the history of psychological studies of folklore in the United Slates. He then presents a striking analysis of the spectrum of behavior associated with male competitive events ranging from traditional games—such as soccer and American football—to warfare. He argues that all of these activities can be seen as forms of macho battle to determine which individual or team feminizes his or its opponents. This is followed by a study of the saga of William Tell, one of the most celebrated legends in the world. A novel treatment of the biblical flood myth in terms of male pregnancy is the penultimate essay, while the concluding article proposes an ingeniously imaginative interpretation of the underpinnings of anti-Semitism.

Dear Ahed is a collection of radical, compassionate essays interspersed with letters to a Palestinian, Ahed Hussein, who has suffered greatly from the effects of war. The author, who has spent much time in the conflict areas of the world, demonstrates that through education and understanding the way words are used, a society could be created free from war. Alberto Portugheis, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2008, explores how and why language is used to separate societies, control and antagonize people. He demonstrates how educated and talented writers, with the assistance of psychologists and scientists who have great expertise on "mind control," help politicians organise chaos, violence and wars as they use techniques to create fear in the population, so that they can offer protection. The book is dedicated to Ahed Hussein and to all people who are seeking Peace and Truth. This is the Peace Proposal the World is waiting for.

War gaming has become a characteristic feature of modern life. From amateur clubs to professional academicians playing the war game in the company of military circles, we have come up against the phenomenon of the "robotization" of human life. Irving Louis Horowitz argues that those who protest the idea that war is a game do so on moral grounds that leave unanswered tough questions: What is the alternative to playing the game? What will become of us if we allow the opponent to become the better "player" in an all-or-nothing game of extinction? Horowitz provides answers in a logical manner while focusing on facts and ethical alternatives to risky ethics. The work is divided into three sections: The New Civilian Militarists, Thermonuclear Peace and Its Political Equivalents, and General Theory of Conflict and Conflict Resolution. Included are such topics as arms, policies, and games; morals, missiles, and militarism; and conflict, consensus, and cooperation. Horowitz concludes that it is time to register the fact that the basic option to destructive uses of science is not traditional morality, but better science a science of survival. With a new introduction by Howard Schneiderman along with a major essay and other materials not included in the original edition, this classic work is a worthy contribution to intellectual debate in the twenty-first century and a must read for military strategists, sociologists, and historians.

George Magoon (1851-1929), a notorious moose and deer poacher in Maine, was the hero of scores of funny stories of how he outwitted game wardens. Preserving these oral histories, Edward Ives documents Magoon's life and explores his significance as a folk hero within the context of the conservation movement, the cult of the sportsman, and Maine's increasingly restrictive game laws. "A rich and subtle book, an important work by a major scholar. . . . It is a major contribution to folklore studies, and to history and American studies as well." -- Journal of American Folklore

Influenced by what Clausewitz called the "remarkable trinity" - the government, the military and the people - David Jablonsky studies the interaction between Churchill, the British people and the army during World War II. He argues that the great British leader saw civilian supremacy as the rule in total war.

When a Martian spacecraft lands on Woking Common, mankind is terrorized by aliens in tall, armored capsules which stalk the countryside on three legs. The machines wreak havoc on London and the Southern Counties, and survivors are driven underground. Scientist John Nicholson tells how he was plunged into a paralyzing nightmare of stark terror, savage madness and utter destruction.

This book analyses the success and adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel War Horse to stage, radio, live events, and feature film, in different cultures, on tours, and in translation. In under a decade, War Horse has gone from obscure children’s novel to arguably one of the world’s most recognisable theatrical brands, thanks to innovative puppet designs from South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company in an acclaimed stage production from the National Theatre of Great Britain. With emphasis on embodied spectatorship, collaborative meaning-making, and imaginative ‘play,’ this book generates fresh insights into the enduring popularity of the franchise’s eponymous protagonist, Joey, offering the most in-depth study of War Horse to date.

Over two million British men were injured or killed in the First World War. Millions more people supported the war effort at home – in factories, fields or by keeping essential services going. In these circumstances, how could something as trivial as cricket continue? For some, it was not acceptable; for others, watching or playing sport were reasonable responses to government calls to ‘carry on’. A Game Sustained examines what happened to cricket at all levels in Yorkshire between 1914 and 1918; how it kept going with so many men away; how its top league managed to attract players such as Hobbs, Barnes and Woolley; and how, when peace came, cricket resumed its place in county life in 1919 and 1920. It is a story of divided opinions and of guilt and uncertainty about the correct way to behave. It is also the story of efforts to sustain traditions and to keep some sense of normality at a time of crisis.

The tenants never saw it coming. The Murray building, constructed in the seventies by the eccentric billionaire, Samuel Murray, contains a secret so horrific and abhorrent that those caught up in it might not see the light of day ever again. Time is ticking. Only one person can win the War Game and walk away with $100 million in cash. Who dies? Who lives? Who is the real villain? What is the building’s biggest secret, and why do only a select few know about it? War Game is a brutally maniacal thriller with enough plot twists to make your stomach churn. There’s violence, murder and buckets of blood! Can you predict the outcome?

The evolution of the video game is incredible; from a two-colored screen with paddle and pong to fully immersive alternate playing worlds, it is one technology that seems to be constantly evolving. This volume explains the history of video games, the considerations of their impact on players and society, and how they can be used as educational tools. Readers will learn about the future of video games as well.