Fred Botting

Fred Botting offers a major re-evaluation of the Gothic genre from the 18th century to the present, from leading figures in the field. He provides clear readings of contemporary literary, film, art and cultural texts alongside main Gothic figures (vampires, Frankenstein and ghosts).

Technology, Bodies, Gothic

Limits of Horror

Lily

The [cynical] assessment of gothic and literature of horror in modern and post-modern age, tinted by the invasion of technology and dissolution of everything into already-made simulations, empty of meaning and imagination, might truly be Botting's wheelhouse. The only criticism I can think of is in prose and the organization of chapters, as this seems to be something Botting has grappled with in every book and essay I have read from him; often, paragraphs read as if his words have run ahead of his intent, and the vagueness of general organization of concepts and chapters can make the central theme of the book hard to catch. It becomes exceedingly vibe-y and thinkpiece-y, which is at times a bit frustrating.

Limits of Horror Technology, Bodies, Gothic