Since the weather is starting to take a turn and pop culture will start to focus on its spooky roots, it’s clearly time to resurrect this very special blog series. I began this series a few years ago and have always enjoyed taking a time out from writing and story developing and getting back to my roots as a student of the Gothic. If you didn’t know, my literature background is in the Gothic and had I continued on to a PhD program, this realm of literature would have been my study focus and the subject of my dissertation. I am no longer an academic, but this genre of literature continues to inspire me and to influence my own fiction writing.

Anyway, 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!

Articles

The Dark Side of Books

This is a great title for any article, in my humble opinion. This is a nice little overview of classics in the horror category, from Shelley to R.L. Stein.

Most countries have gone through a period in which Gothic literature was popular. I’ve never heard anything about pulp fiction or Gothic horror in Canada. This is really cool and I definitely plan on checking out some of the writing of our neighbors to the north!

How video game makers are expanding storytelling for adults

I don’t do much gaming myself (it’s too addicting. I’d never get anything done). But, there’s a really cool sounding game coming out called ‘Vampyr’ inspired by Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and H.P. Lovecraft. Jackpot!

The popularity of zombies is due to one mistake in Night of the Living Dead

I don’t know if I agree with the reasoning of the writer of this article. But zombies are popular nontheless. Read on for an interesting tidbit for your next trivia night.

Books

The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter is the monster mashup we need

An academic who wrote her dissertation on 19th century Gothic literature. I’m already hooked! This studious English creative has imagined a story about Dr. Jekyll’s daughter and I think it sounds like a fabulous romp! Queue the reading list, please! Also, she asks some really insightful questions about the mad scientists in 19th century literature in pursuit of her PhD: Why did so many of the mad scientists in 19th century narratives create, or start creating but then destroy, female monsters? Yes indeed, I must have this book immediately!

Exhibitions/Events/Other

Sweet Midnight: Halloween is a lifestyle, not just a holiday!

I know a lot of people who feel this way about Halloween. This doesn’t have much to do with literature. But, I love the fact that there’s a magazine out there called Gothic Beauty!

Rare photo of Edgar Allan Poe Goes up for Auction at New York Gallery

Okay, this is a little old. But, I think it’s very cool that someone found a rare photo of one of my favorite writers. Wish I had the cash to collect pieces of literary history like this!

In Oakland, an Operatic Take on Mary Shelley’s Classic

Mary Shelley published the world-famous story Frankenstein in 1818, thus making 2018 the bicentennial anniversary of this significant work of literature. The world seems to be gearing up for this big anniversary. An in Oakland, someone made an opera out of Shelley’s unforgettable work.

Hampshire set to Host Jane Austen-themed Festival

Being that it’s the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death this year, a number of festivals and events in her honor have popped up on literary calendars the world over. Hampshire is having an Austen-themed festival this coming October and will even explore her connection to the Gothic. Austen wrote a Gothic satire piece called Northhanger Abbey.

Italy’s Mysterious Garden of Monsters

This isn’t entirely gothic, but it’s really cool! Apparently there’s a mysterious garden called the Sacro Bosco built in the 16th century by Pier Francesco ‘Vicino’ Orsini. Sounds like a place I need to check out next time I make it to Italy.

Television/Film

With ‘The Shape of Water,’ Guillermo del Toro Realizes a Lifelong Monster Dream

No Gothic Literature at Large post would be complete without a reference to the great Guillermo del Toro. This is a really interesting article about a fascinating man and writer. It also has some interesting insight into del Toro’s latest project.

Previous Gothic Literature at Large posts
September 2016
October 2015
February 2015