While providing readers with in-depth studies of some of the most popular contemporary fiction villans, Sara Martín shows how current representations of the villain are not only measured against previous literary characters but also against the real-life figure of the archvillain Adolf Hitler.

Introduction. Defining the Patriarchal VillainChapter 1. Adolf Hitler: The Threat of Absolute VillainyChapter 2. Big Brother and O’Brien: The Mystique of Power and the Reproduction of Patriarchal MasculinityChapter 3. Morgoth and Sauron: The Problem of Recurring VillainyChapter 4. Steerpike: Gormenghast’s Angry Young ManChapter 5. Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Larger Than Life: The Villain in the James Bond SeriesChapter 6. Richard Onslow Roper and the ‘Labyrinth of Monstrosities’: John le Carré’s Post-Cold War VillainsChapter 7. Michael Dobbs’s Francis Urquhart Trilogy: Democracy at RiskChapter 8. Big Ger Cafferty, Crime Boss: The Constant Struggle to Retain PowerChapter 9. Voldemort and the Limits of Dark Magic: Self-empowerment as Self-destructionConclusions

"This is a new and provocative rethinking of masculinity. In a bold and imaginative thesis, Martín argues that the villain is a function of patriarchy’s systems of masculine entitlement, and their ‘evil’ is a form of rage against those who threaten it. With a range of stimulating readings in British fiction, this is a fascinating, original and highly readable study in ‘anti-patriarchy studies’."--Dr Brian Baker, Senior Lecturer in English and Creative Writing, Lancaster University"Sara Martín has written an enthralling and ground-breaking account of the long-forgotten literary figure of the villain from a contemporary perspective. Taking the paradigm of Hitler as a point of departure, she explores characters as wicked as they are obscurely fascinating, ranging from Big Brother to Voldemort. And in so doing she articulates and unveils the ambiguous mechanisms of our own psyche. This is enjoyable and profound scholarship at its best."--Dr. Antonio Ballesteros-González, Professor of English Literature, UNED (Spain)"In her new book, Martín makes a powerful and convincing case for the importance of villainy to Masculinity Studies. Written with great verve and real critical purpose, this wonderfully provocative piece of anti-patriarchal literary scholarship is a timely and valuable addition to the field." ​--Dr Xavier Aldana Reyes, Reader in English Literature and Film, Manchester Metropolitan University