The Gothic: 250 Years of Success: Your Guide to Gothic Literature and Culture

by A.J. Blakemont

What is the Gothic? A genre, a style, a movement, a subculture? The Gothic is all of this, and so much more; it is one of the most enduring and fertile artistic traditions in the history of modern civilization. Since the publication of "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole in December 1764, the Gothic has constantly rejuvenated and reinvented itself, taking on new forms while remaining true to its aesthetic principles.

From old castles to futuristic cities, from corrupt priests to urban predators, from medieval poetry to modern rock, the Gothic evolved over the centuries, transforming the popular culture in the process. Like Frankenstein’s creature, the Gothic is alive and one can feel its beating heart in every art form and media.

This guide provides an overview covering all facets of the Gothic culture, from its philosophical basis to its practical applications in literature, comic books, cinema and television, music, games, digital art, and fashion.

Genres: Nonfiction

106 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

A. J. Blakemont is a novelist and essayist interested in speculative and gothic fiction. He is also passionate about music, history and its mysteries. He grew up in Paris where he studied literature. He lives near London and he is a member of the Society of Authors.

Reviews

[Helen (read247_instyle_inca)]

An excellent source for all things Gothic! Extremely well written and enjoyable.

[Paulo F. Lopes]

Breve introdução ao movimento gótico

Este pequeno livro apresenta, em resumo muito completo, os últimos 250 anos do moderno movimento gótico, referindo tanto as suas tendências e características como os seus principais protagonistas.
Começa nas raízes literárias românticas e traça o percurso até à ficção especulativa; refere bandas marcantes e seus motivos musicais; discorre sobre as diversas tendências visuais (e da moda) com estética gótica; aborda cinematografia que influenciou, ou foi influenciada, pelo movimento; apresenta diversos eventos cibernéticos relacionados; aponta as subculturas conhecidas no presente. No final, incluí uma lista de literatura pertinente para aprofundar o tema.
É um óptimo ponto de partida para conhecer melhor esta cultura fascinante.

[J.A. A Santana]

Great primer to all things gothic

This book covers all aspect of gothic history, literature, culture, and more in a easy to understand language and enough coverage in each topic and further recommends other books to go more in depth in a particular area of interest and that's for me literature as I plan develop my fiction within this genre that has always enthralled me. Highly recommend the book for beginners that doesn't sound academic.

[Lynne]

Interesting introduction to what exactly constituents the term 'gothic'. From architecture to fashion, music to haunted castles, highly accessible and quickly read revisiting of what it all means.