Birgit Spengler untersucht in ihrer Arbeit das zeitgenössische Genre der »Spinoffs« – Romane, die klassische kanonische Werke der amerikanischen Literatur kreativ um- und fortschreiben. Am Beispiel der schreibenden Auseinandersetzung mit Klassikern wie »Moby- Dick« oder den »Adventures of Huckleberry Finn« entschlüsselt sie die literarischen Strategien, die »Spinoffs« nutzen, um auf gesamtkulturelle Sinnstiftungsprozesse Einfluss zu nehmen und sich in die kulturelle Imagination einzuschreiben. Dabei stellen diese Romane auch die Frage nach der Abgeschlossenheit von Kunstwerken, nach kulturellem Kapital und geistigem Eigentum neu.

"Literary Spinoffs: Rewriting the Canon Re-Imagining the Community" explores the literary strategies, theoretical dimensions, and cultural implications of contemporary rewritings of nineteenth-century classics. By hooking on to powerful literary and cultural narratives, literary spinoffs seek to interfere with the cultural imaginary and revise the ways in which the cultural community constructs itself via formative narratives. Spengler offers in-depth case studies of prominent contemporary rewritings and the cultural work they undertake, while also examining the genre s particular aesthetics and effects. Through their intensely intertextual form, spinoffs raise urgent questions about the possibilities for participation in processes of cultural meaning-making and invigorate contemporary debates about intellectual property, cultural capital, as well as high and popular culture. "

Describes some of the inventions resulting from the space program that have proved useful on earth.

Named Best First Novel by Locus 'Twas a time when dragons left their lair and evil shadowed the land.... On the Day of Reckoning, the witches of Eileanan were outlawed--and violations of the new order were punishable by death. Eileanan's Great Towers, once meccas of magic and learning, were left in ruins. And now, the entire land trembles in fear.... Yet deep in the mountains, in the shadow of Dragonclaw, a young girl is being tutored in the old ways. Ignorant of her past, uncertain of her future, the foundling Isabeau will soon be forced down a dangerous path of prophesy, conspiracy, and magic. It is a world where dragons possess the key to ancient mysteries...where a lost prince will discover a strange and wondrous destiny...and where the ultimate battle between good and evil will be waged.... A new Day of Reckoning is at hand....

Decolonisation is a term that alarms some, and gives hope to others. It is an uncomfortable and often bewildering concept for many New Zealanders. This book seeks to demystify decolonisation using illuminating, real-life examples. By exploring the impact of colonisation on Māori and non-Māori alike, Imagining Decolonisation presents a transformative vision of a country that is fairer for all.

'A riotous, black-humoured tonic' Independent 'A masterpiece of modern fiction' Sophie Cousens December 2023. The human race has fought a deadly virus and lost. The only things left from the world before are burning cities and rotting corpses. But in London, one woman is still alive. Although she may be completely unprepared for her new existence, as someone who has spent her life trying to fit in, being alone is surprisingly liberating. Determined to discover if she really is the last survivor on earth, she sets off on an extraordinary adventure, with only an abandoned golden retriever named Lucky for company. Maybe she'll find a better life or maybe she'll die along the way. But whatever happens, the end of everything will be her new beginning. 'Fresh, frank, funny' Elizabeth Kay 'Brilliant. Creepy, witty, laugh-out-loud and shudder-inducing' Harriet Walker 'Harrowing, unflinching and uplifting' Jennifer Saint 'Original, brutal, funny and hugely addictive!' Emma Cooper

Five years ago, The Spinoff burst onto New Zealand’s media scene with smart, screamingly funny and seriously relevant writing. Since then, it has enraged and inspired all the right people, respectably won Website of the Year at the 2019 Voyager Media Awards, and expanded into television, podcasts and now – shockingly – a book. Edited by Toby Manhire, it’s jam-packed with The Spinoff’s best work, along with full-colour artwork by Toby Morris, photography, collage, poetry and a clutch of new and exclusive essays. Simon Wilson, Jemaine Clement, Lorde and Jesse Mulligan rub shoulders with Spinoff stars like Alex Casey, Madeleine Chapman and Emily Writes. From Shortland Street to sports, feminism to fashion and current events to Kiwi onion dip, this is an engrossing, original take on everything that matters in Aotearoa New Zealand in the 21st century. Featuring Toby Morris Hera Lindsay Bird Leonie Hayden Michèle A’Court Ashleigh Young Lorde Jemaine Clement Alex Casey Madeleine Chapman Duncan Greive Simon Wilson Aldous Harding Emily Writes Scotty Stevenson David Farrier ...and more "The Spinoff is where we find stories no one else is covering . . . stories we need to hear." 2019 Voyager Media Awards Judges "Right now, every left-leaning, media-savvy, university-educated hipster you know (and probably their baby-boomer parents) is reading The Spinoff." Sunday magazine "Crap and a waste of our money." Mike Hosking