American Gothic Fiction: An Introduction / Edition 1

by Allan Lloyd-Smith

Overview

Following the structure of other titles in the Continuum Introductions to Literary Genres series, American Gothic Fiction includes: A broad definition of the genre and its essential elements. A timeline of developments within the genre. Critical concerns to bear in mind while reading in the genre. Detailed readings of a range of widely taught texts. In-depth analysis of major themes and issues. Signposts for further study within the genre. A summary of the most important criticism in the field. A glossary of terms. An annotated, critical reading list. This book offers students, writers, and serious fans a window into some of the most popular topics, styles and periods in this subject. Authors studied in American Gothic Fiction include Charles Brockden Brown, William Montgomery Bird, James Fenimore Cooper, Edgar Allan Poe, George Lippard, Herman Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne, William Gilmore Simms, John Neal, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Ambrose Bierce, Emma Dawson, W.D. Howells, Henry James, William Faulkner, Anne Rice and William Gibson

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826415950
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/08/2004
Series:	Literary Genres
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	8.27(w) x 11.69(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

Allan Lloyd-Smith is Senior Lecturer in American Literature at the University of East Anglia, UK.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	1
Chapter 1	What Is American Gothic?	3
Chapter 2	Timeline	11
Chapter 3	How to Read American Gothic	25
Chapter 4	Key Texts	37
Chapter 5	Major Themes in American Gothic	65
Chapter 6	Key Questions	133
Chapter 7	American Gothic Criticism	163
Chapter 8	Glossary	173
Chapter 9	Suggestions for Further Reading	177
	Index	193

Editorial Reviews

"College-level literary classes studying various forms of fiction will find Alan Lloyd-Smith's introduction perfect for a review of the gothic literary genre. Chapters analyze the structure and facets of what makes American gothic, considers key texts and major themes, and includes quotes from some of the major works in the field." -Library Bookwatch, March 2005

"Overall, American Gothic Fiction provides a standard introduction to the genre and is particularly strong when it comes to discussing nineteenth century works...and interpreting gothic works from a psychoanalytic perspective...[the book's] utility lies in directing readers towards primary and secondary sources they may not have encountered."-Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts--Sanford Lakoff

From the Publisher