Spectres of Antiquity: Classical Literature and the Gothic, 1740-1830

Spectres of Antiquity explores the relationship between Greek and Roman culture and the Gothic novels, poetry, and drama of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, demonstrating that the Gothic emerged from an awareness of the lingering power of antiquity and a new and darker vision of the ancient world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Gothic literature delves into the realm of the return of ghosts from the past, but what about the ghosts of the classical past? Enter Spectres of Antiquity, the groundbreaking first-ever study that explores the intricate relationship between Greek and Roman culture and the Gothic novels, poetry, and drama of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Rather than merely serving as a contrast to classical aesthetics and ideas, the Gothic emerged from a profound recognition of the enduring influence of antiquity. The Gothic reflects a darker and more sinister vision of the ancient world: no longer serving as a source of inspiration for modernity through its examples, antiquity has transformed into a haunting ghost, haunting the minds of contemporary individuals rather than guiding them.

Through a comprehensive analysis of works by renowned authors such as Horace Walpole, Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, Charles Brockden Brown, and Mary Shelley, Spectres of Antiquity makes a compelling argument. These authors' plots and ideas preserve the remembered traces of Greece and Rome, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient civilization. James Uden, in his meticulous research, uncovers numerous allusions to ancient texts that have previously gone unnoticed in scholarly circles. He provides an accessible guide to both the Gothic genre and the classical world to which it responds, making the study of these interrelated realms both fascinating and accessible to a wide audience.

Spectres of Antiquity takes us on a journey to rewrite the history of the Gothic, revealing a far deeper sense of history that has been previously underestimated. The genre was not merely a reaction to the romanticism of the past but was haunted by a profound awareness of the past's echoes and resonances. By delving into the interplay between Greek and Roman culture and the Gothic imagination, Spectres of Antiquity sheds light on the complex and multifaceted relationship between the ancient and the modern, challenging our understanding of literature, culture, and history.

In conclusion, Spectres of Antiquity is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the Gothic genre and its relationship to the classical past. Through meticulous research, insightful analysis, and accessible writing, James Uden has breathed new life into the study of this fascinating literary movement. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the enduring power of antiquity.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 247 x 165 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190910273