Queering the Gothic

by Andrew Smith

This is the first multi-authored book concerned with the developing interface between Gothic criticism and queer theory. Considering a range of Gothic texts produced between the eighteenth century and the present, the contributors explore the relationship between reading Gothically and reading Queerly, making this collection both an important reassessment of the Gothic tradition and a significant contribution to scholarship on queer theory. Writers discussed include William Beckford, Matthew Lewis, Mary Shelley, George Eliot, George Du Maurier, Oscar Wilde, Eric, Count Stenbock. E. M. Forster, Antonia White, Melanie Tem, Poppy Z. Brite, and Will Self. There is also exploration of non-text media including an analysis of Michael Jackson’s pop videos. Arranged chronologically, the book establishes links between texts and periods and examines how conjunctions of "queer," "gay" and "lesbian" can be related to, and are challenged by, a Gothic tradition. All of the chapters were specially commissioned for the collection, and the contributors are drawn from the forefront of academic work in both Gothic and Queer Studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gothic, Queer, Queer Studies, Gender, LGBT, School

Paperback

First published September 15, 2009

About the author

Professor of English Studies, Head of English and Modern Languages and Co-Director of the Research Centre for Literature, Arts, and Science at the University of Glamorgan.

"My research interests are in Gothic literature, literature and science, nineteenth century literature, and critical theory. I have published widely in these areas and have given conference papers on related topics in the UK and in North America, Canada, Spain, France, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2007 I delivered a keynote address at the International Gothic Association conference held in Aix-en-Provence. I was elected Joint President of the International Gothic Association in 2009 and re-elected in 2011. I was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2007 and elected a Fellow of the English Association in 2008."

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful and in-depth collection of essays on everything from the devouring desire of lesbian vampires, to Daniel Deronda's identity crisis. Perfect for advanced students of the Gothic tradition, queer theory, 18th and 19th century literature etc, or for writers doing their own research.