Shiloh Carroll

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The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman: From Beowulf to Sleeping Beauty by Shiloh Carroll takes a look at how Gaiman’s style blended myths and legends for modern audience into a unique way of storytelling . Ms. Carroll is an author and academic, with a PhD in English Literature.

As a big fan of Neil Gaiman, I couldn’t pass this book by without giving it a try. I have read the majority of his works, and even attended a live reading last year.

This is an academic work, interesting but could be dry at times. The author spends most of the book examining The Sandman series, especially Morpheus’ trip to hell. I found that part fascinating and made me look at the book in a new way which I never thought about.

The academic voice of The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman by Shiloh Carroll does not make an exciting read. This is especially true when the author discusses some of Mr. Gaiman’s lesser-known works or short stories.

Each chapter in the book takes a look at either one work, or a broader theme that has to do with perceived medieval life (medievalist). I thought it was interesting that there’s a whole field of study about the fact that the medieval society that never existed thrives in modern literature.

Besides Sandman, the book also discusses Stardust, American Gods and Norse Mythology among others. The last two chapters are dedicate d to Beowulf’s movie adaptation (screenplay by Gaiman), and two short stories which are a loose retelling of the poem.

Overall, I found this book fascinating and will certainly look at the works which the author mentioned with new eyes. While not necessary to know the source material Mr. Gaiman based his stories on, it certainly adds another layer of enjoyment to, what already are wonderful works.… (more)