How did the shift to the dark world of the Gothic serve as evidence that western literature was shedding classicism and approaching modernity? Townshend (English, U. of Stirling) finds a new
path within that debate as he analyzes early Gothic works to explain links in the continuity between the discursive and the literary that are more subtle and complex than previously thought. He
admits his approach, which considers the historical perspectives of Foucault's alongside Lacan's thought on the Borromean knot, may itself be subtle and complex, but in his analyses of works by
such as Walpole, Ann Radclife and Mary Shelly he proves that such an interdisciplinary approach is essential to understanding the development of the Gothic project. He also gives interesting
insights into such Gothic fixations and entertainment as incest, fantasy, torture and death, showing their inclusion in Gothic works are by no means casual but in fact essential. Annotation
穢2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
