Zombiescapes and Phantom Zones: Ecocriticism and the Liminal from "Invisible Man" to "The Walking Dead

In Zombiescapes and Phantom Zones: Ecocriticism and the Liminal from "Invisible Man" to "The Walking Dead," Lee Rozelle explores how contemporary writers imagine the natural world, portraying it as monster-filled landscapes that emerge from damaged habitats to save the world. He argues that these zombiescapes and phantom zones become catalysts for environmental reanimation and sources of hope, offering new ways to conceptualize places that have historically proven troublesome. The book focuses on literary works from 1950 to 2015 that depict the "brownfields" of post-World War II literature, highlighting their troubling and often devastating aspects while suggesting new life and potential for such environments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2022
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

In his captivating book, Zombiescapes and Phantom Zones: Ecocriticism and the Liminal from "Invisible Man" to "The Walking Dead," Lee Rozelle delves into the imaginative realms of contemporary writers, exploring their captivating portrayals of nature as monstrous entities. Through meticulous research, Rozelle chronicles the emergence of the weirdest, ugliest, and most intricate characters to grace the literary scene since World War II. These creatures, deeply intertwined with damaged habitats that arise from the depths, possess a unique purpose—to save the world, rather than destroy or rule it.

The book poses profound questions about the aftermath of madness, havoc, and destruction. What monsters and magic emerge from these desolate landscapes? Rozelle makes a compelling argument that zombiescapes and phantom zones depicted within the book serve as catalysts for environmental reanimation and sources of hope. Liminality, a concept explored in depth, offers exciting and valuable ways to conceptualize spaces that have historically posed challenges, been cumbersome to define, or remained elusive.

Zombiescapes, as envisioned by Rozelle, possess the remarkable potential to mitigate the effects of pollution, promote environmental justice, alleviate economic disparities, and localize food production. These desolate landscapes, once considered lifeless and barren, can be transformed into vibrant ecosystems that offer new possibilities for life and growth. The grotesque creatures that ooze and crawl from these passages challenge readers to reimagine the possibilities of re-inhabiting broken lands, particularly in the context of contemporary concerns such as energy efficiency, fracking, climate change, the Pacific trade agreement, local food production, and sustainability.

Rozelle's book spans a significant period, from 1950 to 2015, encompassing the zombiescapes and monsterscapes of post-World War II literature. He delves into the troubling and often devastating portrayals of the "brownfields" that have suffered significant loss of biodiversity and ecological viability. However, Rozelle also highlights the latent potential within these environments, suggesting a new life and new possibilities for their rejuvenation. Through an interdisciplinary and transnational approach, he explores the ways in which literature can inspire and drive environmental conservation efforts.

Zombiescapes and Phantom Zones: Ecocriticism and the Liminal from "Invisible Man" to "The Walking Dead" is a thought-provoking and visionary work that invites readers to explore the intricate connections between nature, humanity, and the environment. Rozelle's meticulous research and captivating storytelling shed light on the monstrous aspects of nature while offering hope for its rejuvenation. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, ecology, and environmental sustainability.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817360535