Darkness: A Cultural History

Darkness has divided opinion, with some fearing it and others drawn to its mysteries. Nina Edwards explores darkness as a physical feature and cultural image, from sight to blindness, consciousness to dreams, and its impact on art, literature, religion, and language. She reveals how darkness has been harnessed and suppressed throughout history.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 15 October 2018
\n Publisher: Reaktion Books
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Darkness, a multifaceted and enigmatic phenomenon, sparks diverse opinions among individuals. Some find solace in its embrace, while others recoil from its unfamiliarity, often associating it with fear or discomfort. Nonetheless, a captivating allure draws others to its enigmatic realm, where the unknown beckons and the allure of folklore and legend entices. The history of our perception of the unseen, in all its physical and metaphorical manifestations, poses a profound challenge to the notion of comprehensively understanding the world. Nina Edwards delves into the depths of darkness, exploring it as both a physical feature and a cultural image. Through a series of themes, including sight, blindness, consciousness, dreams, fear of the dark, night blindness, and the transitional states of dusk, fog, twilight, and dawn, she unravels the complexities of darkness. Traversing through different historical periods, Edwards examines humanity's intricate attempts to harness and suppress the dark, from the earliest use of fire to the subsequent discovery of electricity. She unveils how the concept of darkness permeates art, literature, religion, and everyday language, shaping our perception and expression of the world. In Darkness: A Cultural History, Edwards unveils the profound impact of darkness on our imagination. Whether perceived as a shifting concept or a tangible physical presence, darkness always carries a rich and complex meaning. This captivating book invites readers to delve into the depths of darkness, shedding light on its historical significance and its enduring influence on human culture.

\n Weight: 684g\n
Dimension: 150 x 222 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781780239828\n \n