American Gothic Fiction: An Introduction

Description

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

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

"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 -- Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock "Lloyd-Smith provides concise chapters on the definition of American gothic, its key texts, major themes, and critical response to the genre....displays a fan's admiration for a literary form that still fails to get respect....Recommended." -Choice, 3/05 * Choice *