Shirley Jackson: A Companion

Shirley Jackson's popular, often bestselling works experimented with popular generic forms to create a uniquely apocalyptic vision of America and its contradictions. This collection features critical engagement with her works, including those that have received less scholarly attention, and essays on her darkly humorous collections, film adaptations, and unpublished satirical cartoon sketches. The collections five sections focus on Jackson's style, key themes, and influence, her politics and poetics of space, her treatment of the "monstrous" mother and monstrousness of motherhood, her representations of outsiders and minorities, and moving-image adaptations of her work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

From the captivating short story "The Lottery" to the haunting masterpieces "The Haunting of Hill House" and "We Have Always Lived in the Castle," Shirley Jackson's renowned and often bestselling works have pushed the boundaries of popular generic forms. Through her unique and apocalyptic vision of America and its contradictions, Jackson experimented with melodrama, folktale, horror, the Gothic, and the Weird to craft a literary legacy that continues to captivate readers to this day.

This comprehensive collection, with a foreword by award-winning Jackson biographer Ruth Franklin, delves into the depth of Jackson's works, exploring those that have received less scholarly attention. Among these treasures are the novels "The Road Through the Wall," "The Birds Nest," and "Hangsaman," as well as her historical study, "The Witchcraft of Salem Village." Additionally, the collection features essays on Jackson's darkly humorous collections "Life Among the Savages" and "Raising Demons," on the intriguing "literary friendship" between Jackson and Stephen King, on the lesser-known film adaptations "Lizzie" (1957) and "Hosszú Alkony" (Long Twilight) (1997), and the first-ever extended analysis dedicated to Jackson's unpublished satirical cartoon sketches.

Arranged into five sections, the collection explores Jackson's style, key themes, and profound influence. It delves into her politics and poetics of space, her exploration of the "monstrous" mother and motherhood, her representations of outsiders and minorities, and the captivating adaptations of her work in moving images. Each section offers a deep dive into Jackson's rich and multifaceted literary legacy, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of her extraordinary talent.

Whether you are a seasoned fan of Shirley Jackson or a newcomer to her captivating world, this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the depths of her extraordinary creativity and visionary storytelling. So, immerse yourself in the pages of "Shirley Jackson: Critical Essays and Studies" and discover the magic that lies within the words of this legendary author.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800790711
Edition number: New ed