Asterix and the Making of Modern France: The Creation of a National Myth. The aim of this project is to write a new social-cultural history of France after the Second World War, showing how the countr

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Asterix and the Making of Modern France: The Creation of a National Myth. The aim of this project is to write a new social-cultural history of France after the Second World War, showing how the country came together through a new national myth: the Asterix series of comic books. Asterix, written by René Goscinny, the child of Polish-Jewish immigrants, is the most successful publication in French history. This project will bring new understanding to the creation of national myths, a phenomenon in every nation. It will bring to light the role of immigrants in creating such myths, and provide an enlightening comparative example to Australia. It will renew the history of Jewish integration, bringing deeper context to the position of Jews in western society. Outcomes will include a book, and a Radio 4/ ABC program.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4303 - Historical Studies. Lead: Prof Julie Kalman