Smell, Memory, and Literature in the Black Country

Sebastian Groes and R. M. Francis have assembled a new literary history of the smells and (childhood) memories that belong to the Black Country, a region of the United Kingdom at the frontlines of post-industrial upheaval. This book explores the relationship between smell and memory in interdisciplinary ways, considering personal and communal memory, and drawing on psychology, neuroscience, memory studies, literary studies, and philosophy. The creative contributions from writers meditate on the senses, place, and identity, illustrating the rich cultural heritage of the Black Country and appealing to those interested in place writing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

From the pungent aroma of Banks's breweries to the hearty pudding and spicy curry, Sebastian Groes and R. M. Francis have crafted a fresh literary chronicle that delves into the scents and (childhood) memories associated with the Black Country. Often overshadowed in the United Kingdom's landscape, this region stands as a rich treasure trove for studying the intricate interplay between olfaction and place-specific memory.

Smell, Memory, and Literature in the Black Country: An Interdisciplinary Exploration is a groundbreaking work that examines the profound connection between smell and memory. This interdisciplinary endeavor brings together the insights of psychology, neuroscience, memory studies, literary studies, and philosophy to reexamine psychogeography through innovative sensory and philosophical engagements with physical space, scent, language, and human behavior.

The critical essays in this collection delve into the multifaceted dimensions of smell and memory, offering a fresh perspective on psychogeography. By employing cutting-edge techniques and philosophical frameworks, they challenge our understanding of the relationship between these sensory experiences and the spaces we inhabit. The creative contributions from writers such as Liz Berry, Narinder Dhami, Anthony Cartwright, and Kerry Hadley-Pryce further enrich the discourse by exploring the senses, place, and identity.

This book not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Black Country but also appeals to those with an interest in place writing. It serves as a testament to the power of scent and memory in shaping our experiences and narratives. The preface by Will Self adds an additional layer of significance, providing insights and perspectives that enhance our understanding of the subject matter.

In conclusion, Smell, Memory, and Literature in the Black Country: An Interdisciplinary Exploration is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the intricate relationship between smell and memory. By exploring the senses, place, and identity, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of psychogeography and beyond. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural and sensory dimensions of our world.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 147 x 208 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030572112
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021