The History of Gothic Fiction

The beautifully reproduced illustrations in The History of Gothic Fiction are integral to the book since Ellis discusses them at length … [This fine book] reveal[s] a critically sophisticated and historically informed interest in Gothic fiction that shows every sign of continuing in current and future literary study. A study that both historicizes the gothic novel and offers a series of readings demonstrating how the gothic novel often employs historical events within its narrative structure. What at first seems a tracing of the genre’s development is actually an insightful and well-researched explanation of the gothic novel’s rise, meaning, evolution, historical use, and contemporary reception. The first two sectins of the book are an engaging and intriguing start to a fascinating analysis that sheds new light on a genre considered overworked and exhausted. Ellis effectively describes the differences between the gothic genre and other literary forms and convincingly demonstrates that there is more to the genre than previously thought … His thorough explanation of Lewis’ controversial and revolutionary novel [The Monk] is a wonderful magnifying glass through which to view this politically turbulent period … In short, Ellis argues cogently for the inclusion of ‘gothic’ works within serious literary study … Ellis’ work lends credibility to a genre that gained critical notice in the nineteenth century but that has now been dismissed and marginalized. The History of Gothic Fiction is an important contribution to the field of nineteenth-century studies and the ongoing critical work that seeks to redefine and diversify the literary canon. The beautifully reproduced illustrations in The History of Gothic Fiction are integral to the book since Ellis discusses them at length … [This fine book] reveal[s] a critically sophisticated and historically informed interest in Gothic fiction that shows every sign of continuing in current and future literary study. A study that both historicizes the gothic novel and offers a series of readings demonstrating how the gothic novel often employs historical events within its narrative structure. What at first seems a tracing of the genre’s development is actually an insightful and well-researched explanation of the gothic novel’s rise, meaning, evolution, historical use, and contemporary reception. The first two sectins of the book are an engaging and intriguing start to a fascinating analysis that sheds new light on a genre considered overworked and exhausted. Ellis effectively describes the differences between the gothic genre and other literary forms and convincingly demonstrates that there is more to the genre than previously thought … His thorough explanation of Lewis’ controversial and revolutionary novel [The Monk] is a wonderful magnifying glass through which to view this politically turbulent period … In short, Ellis argues cogently for the inclusion of ‘gothic’ works within serious literary study … Ellis’ work lends credibility to a genre that gained critical notice in the nineteenth century but that has now been dismissed and marginalized. The History of Gothic Fiction is an important contribution to the field of nineteenth-century studies and the ongoing critical work that seeks to redefine and diversify the literary canon.

Markman Ellis is Senior Lecturer in the School of English and Drama at Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London