Review – “Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis,” John Vervaeke et al.

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Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis (Open Book Publishers) by John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Filip Miscevic is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the cultural significance of zombies in contemporary society. Drawing on a wide range of philosophical, literary, and cultural sources, the book argues that the figure of the zombie represents a profound crisis of meaning in Western culture.

At its core, the book’s argument is that zombies are a symptom of a deep-seated malaise in modern society. The zombie figure embodies a number of existential themes, including the fear of death and the loss of human agency. Our obsession with zombies is a reflection of our own sense of disconnection from the world around us, and our anxiety about the loss of meaning and purpose in our lives: “As a symbol of the loss of meaning, the zombie embodies a plethora of vacancies, empty placeholders for the building blocks of meaning” [13].

The authors’ analysis is wide-ranging and insightful, touching on everything from the history of the zombie to the role of the zombie in contemporary popular fiction and culture. Their investigation draws on a wealth of philosophical and literary sources, including Martin Luther, Aristotle, and H. G. Wells, to argue that the zombie challenges our very sense of what it means to be human:

Our spiritual bankruptcy, deepened and exacerbated by the symptoms of crisis in each of our horseman’s domains, are symbolized powerfully by the zombie apocalypse: by the vapid environment, the craving monster, the perverted transformation of world, the lack of instructive precedent, and the absence of an apparatus to treat or to explain. [85]

One of the strengths of Zombies in Western Culture is its interdisciplinary approach. The book synthesizes insights from philosophy, psychology, and cultural studies to offer a nuanced and multifaceted analysis of the zombie phenomenon. Sources include films, TV shows, and video games, which make this important analysis accessible and engaging to a wide audience.

Another strength of the book is the authors’ clear and engaging writing style. They manage to make complex philosophical ideas accessible to a general audience, without sacrificing the depth and nuance of their arguments. The book is well-organized into short, digestible sections and easy to follow, with each chapter enriching the insights of the previous one.

Overall, Zombies in Western Culture is a fascinating and insightful exploration of an alarming cultural phenomenon that demands our immediate attention. For such a short book, the authors’ analysis of the meaning crisis that’s plaguing the West is comprehensive and thought-provoking. The book’s interdisciplinary scope offers a fresh and under-appreciated approach to rigorous scholarship. Whether you’re deeply worried about the world’s trajectory or are simply a fan of zombie movies and shows, this book is well worth a read.