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 their relationship to cultural topics such as aging, the uncanny, spirituality, and eschatology, reflecting our compulsion to search for evidence of the ghostly in our everyday encounters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
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 not only entertain but also provoke thought, challenging our perceptions of reality and the afterlife.

Similarly, the ghostly has found its way into the realm of history, where it serves as a tool for exploring the past and shedding light on unexplained events. Historical figures, such as the apparitions of Mary Queen of Scots and the ghosts of ancient civilizations, have been the subject of intense research and speculation, fueling our curiosity about the mysteries of the universe.

In the film industry, the ghostly has been used to create suspense, horror, and psychological depth. From classic horror films like "The Shining" to modern psychological thrillers like "Get Out," filmmakers have exploited the power of the ghostly to evoke fear and empathy in audiences. The ghostly can also be used as a metaphor for deeper emotional or psychological issues, allowing characters to confront their inner demons and confront the unknown.

Art, too, has been a medium for exploring the ghostly. Artists have used various techniques, such as painting, sculpture, and performance, to create works that evoke a sense of the supernatural and the unknown. From the haunting images of Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" to the surrealist sculptures of Salvador Dalí, art has the ability to transport us to otherworldly realms and provoke our imagination.

The ghostly continues to be a subject of interest and debate in the twenty-first century. Literary critics, cultural historians, art historians, and linguists are engaged in ongoing discussions about the wider implications of these representations of the ghostly and the concept of the spectral. These scholars seek to define a series of different but interrelated cultural topics that explore the human fascination. These topics range from questions of aging and the uncanny to spiritualism, eschatology, and the spectral itself.

Through these essays, our collection aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the ghostly and its artistic, literary, cinematic, and cultural manifestations. We hope to shed light on the profound implications of these representations and the concept of the spectral, offering insights into the complexities of human existence and the supernatural. By engaging with these topics, we can better understand the enduring fascination with the ghostly and its role in shaping our cultural landscape.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367677015