Theology, Horror and Fiction: A Reading of the Gothic Nineteenth Century

Theology, Horror, and Fiction argues that the Victorian Gothic is a genre fascinated with the immaterial and offers a modern theology of the Gothic that combines historical theological awareness with interventions into contemporary theology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Longlisted for the 2022 International Gothic Association's Allan Lloyd Smith Prize, Theology, Horror, and Fiction challenges prevailing scholarly interpretations of the 19th-century emergence of secularism. By closely analyzing popular Gothic novels from that era, including Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Dracula, and The Picture of Dorian Gray, Jonathan Greenaway compellingly argues that Gothic literature is deeply invested in the immaterial. Through his meticulous readings, Greenaway demonstrates that engaging with Gothic novels involves delving into theological discourses.

Despite the diverse temporal, geographical, and cultural backgrounds of the writers behind these stories, the Gothic novel remains irrevocably captivated by religious and theological themes, which have often been overlooked in broader scholarly examinations of the intersections between literature and religion. By seamlessly blending historical theological knowledge with interventions into contemporary theology, particularly in the realms of imaginative apologetics and theology and the arts, Greenaway presents the foundations of a modern theology of the Gothic.

This innovative approach offers a fresh perspective on the genre, shedding light on its enduring fascination with the supernatural, moral dilemmas, and the human condition. By exploring the theological dimensions of Gothic literature, Greenaway encourages readers to engage with these texts on a deeper level, fostering a renewed appreciation for their rich and complex narratives. Theology, Horror, and Fiction is a groundbreaking work that contributes to the ongoing dialogue between literature, religion, and theology, and it will undoubtedly inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501351785