[Commlist] Carry On and/as History | targetted call for additional chapters

*TARGETED CALL FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS*

*/Carry On and/as History/*

Edited collection under contract with Palgrave Macmillan

Proposals are invited for a small number of additional chapters for 
Carry On and/as History, an edited collection currently in preparation 
for Palgrave Macmillan.

The collection is already at an advanced stage of development, with most 
contributions drafted and undergoing editorial revision. The additional 
chapters will address particular areas of its historical and thematic 
coverage, as outlined below.

*ABOUT THE COLLECTION*

Beginning with Carry On Sergeant (1958), the Carry On films became a 
fixture of British popular cinema, with thirty films released during the 
original series’ twenty-year run and a further instalment in 1992. The 
films drew on a wide range of traditions in British popular 
entertainment, while engaging in different ways with the changing social 
and cultural circumstances of the period.

Despite their considerable popularity and continuing place in British 
cultural memory, the films have received relatively little sustained 
scholarly attention. Their critical reputation has frequently been 
shaped by nostalgia, popular affection and debates about the sexual and 
social politics of their humour, leaving considerable scope for more 
detailed historical and analytical work.

Carry On and/as History examines the franchise both as an object of 
historical enquiry and as a source through which aspects of British 
social and cultural history might be understood. Bringing together 
perspectives from film and television studies, cultural history, comedy 
studies and related disciplines, the collection considers the production 
and circulation of the films, their relationship to other forms of 
popular entertainment, the historical meanings of their performances and 
representations, and the ways in which the series has subsequently been 
remembered and understood.

*AREAS FOR ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS*

To complement the chapters already in place, proposals are particularly 
welcomed in the following areas:

  * *Production, design and industrial histories: *Historical
    examinations of the production and creative practices of Carry On
    filmmaking, including production organisation and labour, art
    direction, set and costume design, and location work. Work examining
    publicity and promotional materials, the roles of behind-the-scenes
    personnel, or the development of unrealised projects is also welcome.
  * *The later years of the series: *Historically situated examinations
    of films produced during the mid-to-late 1970s, particularly in
    relation to changes in British cinema, popular entertainment, and
    the social and cultural circumstances in which the films were made
    and received.
  * *Social and political change: *The films’ representation of and
    engagement with contemporary political and social debates,
    particularly feminism and women’s liberation, trade unionism and
    industrial relations, and changing attitudes towards gender, class
    and work. Contributions might examine how these issues were
    addressed through comedy, as well as the contemporary reception of
    their treatment in the films.
  * *The Carry On franchise across different media: *Its relationship
    with television, theatre and other forms of popular entertainment,
    particularly television specials and stage productions associated
    with the franchise, and related work involving members of its
    regular cast.
  * *Performance and creative contributions: *Historically grounded
    examinations of acting, comic performance and creative labour within
    the franchise, particularly the contributions of women performers,
    supporting cast members and other creative personnel. Proposals
    might consider performance styles, casting, collaborative working
    practices, or the relationships between performers’ established
    personae, their wider careers and their roles in the films.

Priority will be given to proposals addressing these areas, although 
contributions exploring related aspects of the franchise's history and 
cultural significance will also be considered where they complement the 
chapters already commissioned.

Contributions should develop a clearly defined argument, supported by 
appropriate historical and textual evidence. Original research drawing 
on archival materials, contemporary press and reception sources, close 
textual analysis, or other relevant evidence is particularly welcome.

Completed chapters should be approximately 6,000 words.

*SUBMISSION DETAILS*

Prospective contributors are invited to submit:

  * A proposed chapter title and abstract of approximately 300–400
    words, outlining the central argument, principal case studies and
    research approach.
  * A short biographical note of approximately 100 words, including
    institutional affiliation where applicable.

Deadline for proposals: *Monday 30 November 2026 *

Notification of decisions: Friday 18 December 2026

Indicative timetable for contributions: First drafts are expected by 
late April 2027, with editorial feedback provided in May and revised 
chapters anticipated in early July. The detailed timetable will be 
confirmed with successful contributors.

Proposals are welcome from researchers at all career stages. Submissions 
from scholars whose backgrounds are underrepresented in the field are 
particularly encouraged.

Proposals will be considered in relation to their scholarly contribution 
and how they complement the chapters already commissioned.

Please send proposals and any informal enquiries to Dr Richard Dhillon 
((richard.a.dhillon /at/ warwick.ac.uk) <mailto:(richard.a.dhillon /at/ warwick.ac.uk)>)

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