<p>In this first general theory for the analysis of popular literary formulas, John G. Cawelti reveals the artistry that underlies the best in formulaic literature. Cawelti discusses such seemingly diverse works as Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Dorothy Sayers's The Nine Tailors, and Owen Wister's The Virginian in the light of his hypotheses about the cultural function of formula literature. He describes the most important artistic characteristics of popular formula stories and the differences between this literature and that commonly labeled "high" or "serious" literature. He also defines the archetypal patterns of adventure, mystery, romance, melodrama, and fantasy, and offers a tentative account of their basis in human psychology.</p>

Adventure, mystery, and romance: Formula stories as art and popular culture

John G. Cawelti

Literature & Fiction

University of Chicago Press

Six Gun Mystique

<p>John Cawelti was one of the pioneers in establishing an academic respectability to the study of popular culture. As an example, he published "The Six Gun Mystique" which was based on an analysis of the messages contained in the western novels which were very popular for many decades with the public.</p>

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Bowling Green State Univ Popul

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Books by John G. Cawelti