Gothic Travel through Haunted Landscapes: Climates of Fear

The book explores the relationship between fear and cultural preoccupations from the late eighteenth century to the present through the process and experience of travel in Gothic literature. It follows travelers who encounter fascinating, strange, and often disconcerting weathers, climates, landscapes, and topographies, epitomizing the wonder, excitement, suspicion, or incomprehension that arises from journeys through familiar and unfamiliar terrain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

Travel in Gothic literature offers a distinctive and transformative lens through which to explore the complex relationship between fear and cultural preoccupations spanning from the late eighteenth century to the present. This literary genre delves into a wide range of topics, including climate change, the presence of the unseen, cultural differences, and the apprehension brought forth by modern modes of transport and unfamiliar terrain. The book follows a diverse group of travelers, including tourists, commuters, walkers, explorers, and even armchair tourists or readers, as they navigate through captivating, strange, and often unsettling weathers, climates, landscapes, and topographies. Gothic travel encapsulates the wonder, excitement, suspicion, or incomprehension that arises from venturing into both familiar and unfamiliar landscapes. While exposure to the wild, elemental, or primitive environments in early Gothic narratives often led to the elevation of the sublime, the experience of travel in later Gothic works raised unsettling questions about people, places, and environments that defied established frames of knowledge. These travelers are haunted by their experiences, never truly alone, and the journey through these landscapes unleashes fears that may linger even after they return to their "home ground."
Climates of Fear explores the enduring ways in which Gothic narratives of travel confront fears related to the environment, surveillance, (im)migration, and the foreign. These persistent concerns resonate deeply in the contemporary world, where the encroachments on our immediate surroundings, such as climate change, digital communication, and geopolitical dislocation, appear both distant and intimate, invisible yet urgent. The book prompts us to consider whether recent portrayals of Gothic journeys still capture the essence of these fears or if they have evolved to reflect the changing landscape of our times.
One of the key themes explored in Climates of Fear is the notion of the "other." Gothic literature frequently portrays travelers as encountering unfamiliar cultures, languages, and customs, which can evoke feelings of fear, suspicion, and even disgust. These encounters often challenge the boundaries of what is known and familiar, forcing the travelers to confront their own prejudices and assumptions. The book examines how Gothic narratives use the "other" to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of cultural exchange. By highlighting the fears and uncertainties associated with cultural difference, Gothic travel narratives offer a critical reflection on the ways in which societies.
Another important aspect of Gothic travel is the role of surveillance. Gothic literature often portrays travelers as being monitored or observed by unknown entities, whether they are supernatural beings, government agents, or even fellow travelers. This sense of surveillance creates a feeling of unease and paranoia, as the travelers are never quite sure who or what is watching them. The book explores how Gothic narratives use surveillance to comment on the power dynamics of authority
Another important aspect of Gothic travel is the role of surveillance. Gothic literature often portrays travelers as being monitored or observed by unknown entities, whether they are supernatural beings, government agents, or even fellow travelers. This sense of surveillance creates a feeling of unease and paranoia, as the travelers are never quite sure who or what is watching them. The book explores how Gothic narratives use surveillance to comment on the power dynamics of authority, control, and surveillance in society. By highlighting the fears and uncertainties associated with being watched and observed, Gothic travel narratives offer a critical reflection on the ways in which power structures shape our experiences and perceptions of the world.
Furthermore, Climates of Fear examines the impact of (im)migration on Gothic travel narratives. Gothic literature often portrays travelers as leaving their homes, either voluntarily or involuntarily, in search of a better life or a means of escape from persecution. These journeys are often fraught with danger, as the travelers navigate through unfamiliar terrain, encounter strange creatures, and face numerous challenges. The book explores how Gothic narratives use (im)migration to comment on the complexities of migration, including the experiences of displacement, loss, and the search for belonging. By highlighting the fears and uncertainties associated with migration, Gothic travel narratives offer a critical reflection on the ways in which migration shapes our understanding of identity, culture, and the human condition.
In conclusion, Climates of Fear provides a rich and nuanced exploration of the relationship between fear and cultural preoccupations in Gothic literature. Through its examination of travel narratives, the book offers a unique perspective on the ways in which Gothic literature responds to the changing world around it. By highlighting the fears and uncertainties associated with environmental change, surveillance, (im)migration, and the foreign, Gothic travel narratives offer a critical reflection on the power dynamics of authority, control, and surveillance in society. Moreover, by exploring the complexities of migration, displacement, and loss, Gothic travel narratives offer a poignant reflection on the human condition and the search for belonging. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of Gothic studies and will appeal to scholars and readers interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and the environment.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839980213