Ghostly Encounters: Cultural and Imaginary Representations of the Spectral from the Nineteenth Century to the Present

This volume explores the ghostly and its artistic manifestations, including the uncanny, revenant, echo, and other forms of allusion, in literature, history, film, and art. It examines the wider implications of these representations and notions of the spectral to define cultural topics such as aging, the uncanny, spirituality, and eschatology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume explores the enigmatic and diverse realm of the ghostly, encompassing a range of eerie phenomena such as the uncanny, the revenant, the echo, and other artistic allusions. These unsettling specters of the spectral other manifest themselves across various mediums, including literature, history, film, and art. The ghostly (and its artistic, literary, cinematic, and cultural manifestations) continues to captivate and inspire scholars and researchers in the twenty-first century, spanning disciplines such as literary criticism, cultural history, art history, and linguistics. Our collection of essays delves into the profound implications of these representations of the ghostly and the concept of the spectral, shedding light on a diverse array of cultural topics that are interconnected yet distinct. These essays serve as imaginative explorations of our innate desire to seek evidence of the ghostly in our daily interactions with the material world, offering insights into the complexities of human existence and the supernatural.

The ghostly, a captivating and enigmatic phenomenon, has captured the attention of scholars and enthusiasts across various disciplines. This comprehensive volume delves into the diverse manifestations of the ghostly, including the uncanny, the revenant, the echo, and other artistic allusions. These unsettling presences of the spectral other manifest themselves in literature, history, film, and art, leaving an indelible mark on human culture.

In the realm of literature, the ghostly has been a recurring theme throughout centuries, captivating readers with its eerie and mysterious nature. From classic works such as "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare to modern novels like "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James, writers have explored the complexities of human existence and the supernatural through the lens of the ghostly. These literary representations have not only entertained but also provoked deep thought and reflection, challenging our perceptions of reality and the afterlife.

Similarly, the ghostly has left its mark on history, shaping our understanding of the past and the supernatural. Historical events, such as the apparitions of ghosts in haunted locations, have been documented and investigated, providing evidence of the persistence of the human spirit beyond the physical realm. These encounters with the ghostly have sparked debates and discussions about the nature of death, the afterlife, and the power of the human mind.

In the realm of film and cinema, the ghostly has been a staple of horror and suspense genres, captivating audiences with its ability to evoke fear and intrigue. From classic horror films like "The Exorcist" to modern thrillers like "The Sixth Sense," filmmakers have used the ghostly to create suspenseful narratives and explore themes of mortality, loss, and the supernatural. These cinematic representations have not only entertained but also challenged our assumptions about what is possible and what lies beyond the realm of our senses.

Art, too, has been a medium through which the ghostly has been explored and interpreted. Artists have used various techniques, such as painting, sculpture, and performance, to create works that evoke the spirit world and explore the complexities of human emotion and the supernatural. These artistic representations have not only enriched our cultural heritage but also provided a means of expressing the ineffable and the unknowable.

The ghostly continues to be a subject of fascination and debate in the twenty-first century. Literary critics, cultural historians, art historians, and linguists are actively engaged in exploring the wider implications of these representations of the ghostly and the concept of the spectral. Their research seeks to define a series of different but interrelated cultural topics that imaginatively testify to our compulsion to search for evidence of the ghostly in our everyday encounters with the material world.

Through this collection of essays, we aim to delve into the profound implications of the ghostly and the spectral, shedding light on the diverse cultural topics that they encompass. These essays serve as imaginative explorations of our innate desire to seek evidence of the ghostly in our daily interactions with the material world, offering insights into the complexities of human existence and the supernatural.

As we navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century, the ghostly remains a powerful and evocative force that continues to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. By exploring the diverse manifestations of the ghostly and the concept of the spectral, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human culture and the supernatural forces that continue to influence our lives.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367676957