Well, it’s that time of year again. The time when the leaves fall, the colors change. The last flash of beauty before the barrenness of winter. I love Fall. I love pumpkins, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. I love Halloween costumes and jack-o-lanterns and candy. And, of course, I love the focus on all things Gothic! Here’s what’s happening the world of the Gothic in this installment of Gothic Literature at Large! As always, if you have/see an event/article/show/movie that would fit with this blog, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list for my next installment!

NOTE: the feature image comes from a post from Word Porn.

Articles

Where Dracula was Born and it wasn’t Transylvania

This topic keeps popping up in my news feeds and my Google alerts. I know I’ve even mentioned it before. But I love the idea of doing a Gothic-inspired pilgrimage to Whitby and exploring this ancient relic that inspired one of the most renowned writers in English literature.

Massive volcanic eruption in 1815 affected global climate for years

At first glance, you may not think that this article has anything to do with Gothic literature. But surprisingly, it does! Because of the volcanic eruption, the year 1816 was known as “the year without a summer.” That same summer was the year that Mary Godwin and her cohorts, Percy Shelley and co were locked up in a cabin the woods. Their adventure lead to the creation of Frankenstein!

Edgar Allan Poe’s vehement year in New York: Was he poisoned?

The mystery of Poe’s death will never go away. It seems to endure in every circle. People of many fields of study wonder what exactly happened to him. Films have been made, books have been written, each of them speculating what exactly happened in the last five days of the writer’s life. The Poe Society of Baltimore apparently relinquished hairs belonging to Virginia and Edgar to see what chemical analysis would have to say about their time in New York. Wild stuff!

Most popular ‘new’ baby names in the U.S.

According to the Social Security Administration, Annabel, made famous by Poe’s poem Annabel Lee, is one of the most popular baby names in the United States right now. Go figure!

Books

Romance and Rebellion in the Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley

I can’t say that I’ve ever read a dual biography before. But a biography about Mary Shelley is a must read for any Gothic fanatic! She’s the mother of Frankenstein, you know! The reviewer of the book didn’t give it extraordinarily high marks, but the few tidbits I already know about Mary’s life make me want to read more about her.

Exhibitions/Events

Guardian Live: Ghost stories with Audrey Niffenegger

I would give anything–absolutely anything–to go to this event next month in London! I love Audrey Niffenegger and to hear her talk in a panel with Jeremy Dyson and Kim Newman about the art of ghost stories? OMG is all I can say! I wish I were in London!

Fang Glorious

It looks like the Texas Ballet Theater brought Dracula to the stage. I saw this show when it was performed by the Kansas City Ballet a year or two ago and it was FABULOUS. If you are in Dallas and reading this, GO SEE THAT BALLET! I’m not normally a fan of ballet. But I loved that performance!

Bloody ‘Sweeney Todd’ comes to S.F. Opera

‘Tis the season for Gothic-inspired theater! I have never seen Sweeney Todd, but would jump at the chance. I’m not sure the last time it was in Kansas City. Good job, S.F. opera!

Television/Film

Penny Dreadful returns

So I haven’t actually watched this show since season 1. I don’t have much time for television right now…but when I did watch it, this show was great! Don’t forget to get your dose of Gothic television!

Fear The Walking Dead

This show is so popular, AMC went back to the beginning of the zombie apocalypse and started it all over again with a new cast of characters. I’ve been interested in checking this out to see how it compares to the original show. I’ve heard good reviews from friends who watch it. One of these days…

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Apparently someone’s been fixated on H.P. Lovecraft since before it was cool. Kudos to them! Apparently there’s a film festival inspired by him in early October.

Crimson Peak

For all you Gothic fans out there, I’m sure Guillermo del Toro’s movie release on Oct. 16 is hugely anticipated! I’m excited to check out this film which I hope will be a Gothic masterpiece.

Goosebumps Movie

What Millennial did not read R.L. Stein? My Gothic roots tell me that I can’t miss this one!