David William Foster Knihy

"Essays study sexuality in several literary and cultural manifestations in the Hispanic world on both sides of the Atlantic from the Golden Age in Spain to the present. Examines sexuality in Don Quijote and watercolors painted by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer and his brother. Various essays also examine Latin American novels, magazines, and the bolero. Considers topics such as the concept of 'hispanidad', ethnicity, and nation in relation to diverse manifestations of sexuality"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.

Focusing on ideological themes, this volume explores significant works in Latin American documentary filmmaking. It analyzes how these films address social and political history, providing insights into the region's complex narratives. The author, Foster, highlights key documentaries that reflect the unique perspectives and challenges faced in Latin America, making it a valuable resource for understanding the interplay between film and societal issues.

Focusing on the cultural impact of photography in post-dictatorship Argentina, this work analyzes the contributions of nine contemporary photographers. It explores major themes in their art, highlighting the unique perspectives of Marcelo Brodsky, Gabriel Valansi, and others. The author provides insights into each photographer's influence on Argentine culture and includes resources for viewing their works online, making it a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of art and society in this transformative period.

The book explores the evolution of graphic narrative in Argentina and Brazil, highlighting the significant impact of Héctor Oesterheld's El Eternauta, which emerged in the 1980s as a response to Argentina's military dictatorship. This work serves as a cultural touchstone, symbolizing resistance against tyranny through its extraterrestrial invasion narrative. In contrast, Brazil's graphic narratives, such as Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, address contemporary issues of modernity and identity, reflecting the country’s journey post-democracy and the complexities of its society.

Focusing on queer studies, this analysis of contemporary Latin American cinema examines how filmmakers address gender identity, sexual difference, and the pervasive homophobia that upholds patriarchal norms. David William Foster provides insightful queer interpretations of fourteen significant films, illustrating how they advocate for antiheterosexist perspectives while revealing the societal pressures that reinforce heterosexuality. This study highlights the intersection of culture and sexuality in a region rich with diverse narratives.

Recent Mexican cinema presents Mexico City as a central character, shaping and reflecting the human experiences within its vibrant landscape. This book offers in-depth analyses of fourteen acclaimed films, exploring how they convey cultural significance through the city's unique conditions. It examines the interplay between the metropolis and the narratives of the films, highlighting the dynamic relationship that informs both the cinematic and national identity of Mexico.

The narrative explores the self-image of Phoenix, characterized by a belief that it lacks history and is defined by its recent developments. It contrasts the city's perceived cleanliness and prosperity with its underlying issues of police corruption and social oppression. The book delves into the idealized version of Phoenix as a sun-drenched, easygoing locale that promises economic growth, low taxes, and abundant personal freedom, while revealing the complexities of its true identity.