Spatial Literary Studies: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Space, Geography, and the Imagination

Spatial Literary Studies: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Space,Geography,and the Imagination explores the dynamic relations between space, place, and literature, reframing contemporary criticism through diverse critical and theoretical traditions. It examines the representation of space and place in literature and other genres, revealing new textual geographies and literary cartographies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Spatial Literary Studies: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Space, Geography, and the Imagination is a groundbreaking collection of essays that delves into the intricate interplay between space, place, and literature, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary criticism. Following the spatial turn in the humanities and social sciences, this volume explores the dynamic relations between these three realms, reframing and transforming our understanding of literature and its relationship to the world.

The essays in Spatial Literary Studies examine the representation of space and place across various contexts, including the real world, imaginary universes, and the hybrid zones where fiction meets reality. By working within or alongside related approaches such as geocriticism, literary geography, and the spatial humanities, the contributors to this volume explore the complex relationship between literary spatiality and different genres or media, such as film or television.

The contributors to Spatial Literary Studies draw upon a diverse range of critical and theoretical traditions to disclose, analyze, and explore the significance of space, place, and mapping in literature and in the world. Through their innovative approaches, they create new textual geographies and literary cartographies, shedding light on the ways in which literature shapes and is shaped by spatial and geographical contexts.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the role of place in shaping literary narratives and characters. The essays examine how place influences the formation of identity, culture, and society, as well as how it shapes the experiences and emotions of individuals within a particular environment. For example, one essay explores the ways in which the landscape of the American West is depicted in Western literature, highlighting the ways in which it contributes to the construction of the American mythos and the formation of a national identity.

Another theme is the relationship between space and power. The essays examine how space is used to establish and maintain power structures, as well as how it is contested and subverted by individuals and groups. For example, one essay explores the ways in which the architecture of colonial cities in Africa is used to reinforce colonial authority and control, while another examines the ways in which urban spaces are used by marginalized communities to resist oppression and reclaim their identities.

The volume also explores the role of mapping in shaping literary and cultural landscapes. The essays examine how maps are used to represent and interpret space, as well as how they contribute to the construction of geographical knowledge and the formation of cultural identities. For example, one essay explores the ways in which maps are used in detective fiction to establish the location and topography of the crime scene, while another examines the ways in which maps are used in travel writing to convey a sense of place and cultural authenticity.

In conclusion, Spatial Literary Studies: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Space, Geography, and the Imagination is a groundbreaking collection of essays that offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the relationship between space, place, and literature. By exploring the dynamic relations between these three realms, the volume contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of the humanities and social sciences in shaping our understanding of the world. Through their innovative approaches and interdisciplinary approach, the contributors to this volume create new textual geographies and literary cartographies, shedding light on the ways in which literature shapes and is shaped by spatial and geographical contexts.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367609849