Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu (28 August 1814 - 7 February 1873) was an Irish writer of Gothic tales and mystery novels. He was the premier ghost story writer of the nineteenth century and had a seminal influence on the development of this genre in the Victorian era.
Eighteenth-century critics believed Gothic fiction would inspire deviant sexuality, instill heretical beliefs, and encourage antisocial violence--this book puts these beliefs to the test. After examining the assumptions behind critics' fears, it considers nineteenth-century concerns about sexual deviance, showing how Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dorian Gray, and other works helped construct homosexuality as a pathological, dangerous phenomenon. It then turns to television and film, particularly Buffy the Vampire Slayer and David DeCoteau's direct-to-video movies, to trace Gothicized sexuality's lasting impact. Moving to heretical beliefs, Gothic Realities surveys ghost stories from Dickens's A Christmas Carol to Poltergeist, articulating the relationships between fiction and the "real" supernatural. Finally, it considers connections between Gothic horror and real-world violence, especially the tragedies at Columbine and Virginia Tech.
This book argues that theology is central to an understanding of the literary ghost story. Victorian ghost stories have traditionally been read in the context of agnosticism – as stories which reveal a society struggling with Christian orthodoxy in a new ‘Enlightened’ world. This book, however, uses theological ideas from St Augustine through to modern theologians to identify a theological journey taken by the protagonists of such stories, and charts each stage of this journey through the short stories it examines. It also proposes a theory of reader participation which creates an imaginary space in which modern epistemology is suspended. The book studies the work of four major authors of the supernatural tale: Arthur Machen, M.R. James, Sheridan Le Fanu and Henry James.
The Haunted Baronet is a novella by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, first published in 1871. It concerns the rumours about the Mardyke family and their, supposedly, haunted estate. JOSEPH SHERIDAN LE FANU [1814-1873] was an Irish mystery and horror author. He had an enormous influence on the horror genre in the 19th and 20th century, especially through his championing of tone and effect rather than shock factor. Among his most noted work is the lesbian vampire novella Carmilla [1872] and mystery Uncle Silas [1864].
A newly revised edition of the classic account of Vlad the Impaler--just in time for Halloween--now includes entries from Bram Stoker's recently discovered diaries, the amazing tale of Nicolae Ceausescu's attempt to make Vlad a national hero, and an examination of recent adaptations in fiction, stage and screen. 70 b&w illustrations.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's '60 Supernatural Tales of Horror' is a sinister and captivating collection of Gothic tales that immerse readers in a world of supernatural intrigue and suspense. Le Fanu's literary style is characterized by its richly atmospheric and chilling narrative, often exploring themes of the occult, madness, and the macabre. With stories like 'Carmilla,' 'Uncle Silas,' and 'The House by the Churchyard,' this collection showcases Le Fanu's mastery of the supernatural genre and his ability to evoke a sense of dread and unease. Set within a Victorian backdrop, these tales offer a glimpse into the darker corners of the human psyche, drawing readers into a world filled with mystery and terror. Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a prominent figure in the Victorian era's literary scene, drew inspiration from his own personal experiences and interests in the supernatural to create this chilling collection. His background as a journalist and editor influenced his storytelling, as he blended elements of mystery and horror to captivate his readers. Le Fanu's works have continued to captivate audiences and influence the horror genre to this day. For fans of classic Gothic literature and lovers of the supernatural, '60 Supernatural Tales of Horror' is a must-read. Le Fanu's collection offers a haunting and unforgettable journey into the realms of the unknown, making it a timeless addition to any horror aficionado's library.
From the editor of the popular Annotated Pride and Prejudice comes an annotated edition of Jane Austen’s Persuasion that makes the beloved novel an even more satisfying and fulfilling read. Here is the complete text of Persuasion with hundreds of annotations on facing pages, including: ● Explanations of historical context ● Citations from Austen’s life, letters, and other writings ● Definitions and clarifications ● Literary comments and analysis ● Plentiful maps and illustrations ● An introduction, a bibliography, and a detailed chronology of events Packed with all kinds of illuminating information—from what Bath and Lyme looked like at the time to how “bathing machines” at seaside resorts were used to how Wentworth could have made a fortune from the Napoleonic Wars—David M. Shapard’s delightfully entertaining edition brings Austen’s novel of second chances vividly to life.