Professor Leonard Engel, chairman of the English department, has edited a new book, "Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director: New Perspectives," published by the University of Utah Press this month.
The 268-page book is an anthology of 13 essays by academic scholars from colleges and universities nationwide examining Eastwood's films, such as "Mystic River," "Fistful of Dollars," "Every Which Way But Loose" and "Unforgiven."
"The book is for the general reader who has an interest in Clint as a actor and director," Engel said. "The book dissects the issues and themes he has explored in his films."
The essays examine how Eastwood has changed the focus of his films from early in his career to the last few years. "He's no longer looking for revenge, but examining the effects of revenge on all those involved: the victims, the perpetrator and their families," Engel said. "He's studying how one feels guilty and how that is played out."
Two Quinnipiac faculty members contributed essays. Communications professor Raymond Foery wrote "Narrative Pacing and the Eye of the Other in The Bridges of Madison County." English and communications professor John Gourlie wrote "Million Dollar Baby: The Deep Heart's Core."
Engel, who has studied Western-American literature extensively, previously edited two other books. He edited "Sam Peckinpah's West: New Perspectives" published by the University of Utah Press in 2003. The book is a collection of essays about Peckinpah's Western films.
Engel also edited "The Big Empty: Essays on the Land as Narrative" published by the University of New Mexico Press in 1994. The book is a collection of essays about use of the Western landscape in fiction, film, art, politics and literature.
Engle was elected into the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004 for his scholarly work during his 43 years at Quinnipiac. The academy, chartered in 1799, sponsors lectures and publishes work by distinguished scholars about sciences, arts and humanities. For his teaching, Engel received the University's Outstanding Faculty Award in 1990.