The Gothic World of Anne Rice [Hardcover]

Gary Hoppenstand (Editor), Ray Broadus Browne (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1996

Directly and in considerable detail this anthology argues for the serious study of the literary oeuvre of Anne Rice, a major figure in popular literature today. This writer of gothic fiction attracts not only great general interest among readers but also much serious scholarly attention among those who recognize in her work evidence of sophisticated characterization and intricate plotting. Such readers find allusions in Rice's work to that of Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto, to Ann Radcliffe's gothic romances, such as The Mysteries of Udolpho, and to Bram Stoker's Dracula, as do such present-day authors as Clive Barker, Robert R. McCammon, and Stephen King. The essays in this volume assert that Rice goes far beyond the conventions of the formula to examine important contemporary social issues. Like a handful of authors working in the horror genre, Rice perceives in its otherwise predictable narrative structures a way by which a larger, more interesting cultural mythology can be developed, as the editors of this volume point out. In short, Rice may be said to search for philosophical truth, examining themes of good and evil, the influence on people and society of both nature and nurture, "the conflict and dependence of humanism and science," as one essayist states.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Anne Rice is a major figure in contemporary popular literature. This writer of gothic fiction attracts not only great general interest among her readers but also much serious scholarly attention among those who recognize in her work evidence of sophisticated characterization and intricate plotting. The essays in The Gothic World Of Anne Rice assert that Rice goes far beyond the conventions of the formula to examine important contemporary social issues. Rice perceives that a larger, more interesting cultural mythology can be developed. Rice may be said to search for philosophical truth, examining themes of good and evil, the influence on people and society of both nature and nurture, humanism, science and mythos. The Gothic World Of Anne Rice is "must" reading for Anne Rice fans of course, but also anyone with an interest in writers whose work shapes and influences today's popular culture. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Gary Hoppenstand is an associate professor teaching in the Department of American Thought and Language at Michigan State University. He has written numerous books and articles on a variety of topics ranging from American literature to popular culture studies.

Ray B. Browne is chairman emeritus of the Popular Culture Department at Bowling Green State University. He is the author and editor of more than fifty books on various aspects of American and world cultures.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 261 pages
• Publisher: Bowling Green State Univ Popular Pr (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879727071
• ISBN-13: 978-0879727079
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,005,004 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unchartered decent through Rices literature., March 10, 2001

By 

michelle winny (stanmore, middx United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gothic World of Anne Rice (Hardcover)

The gothic world of Annne Rice is an absolute must have for both fan of the gothic, vampirism or scholar. The anthology is A direct rout into the marvellous world behind the authour. Not only does it convey an unchartered depth of her literature, but is also A direct approach to A more academic criticsim. This book is of universal appeal because it charts A thought provoking desent through her key best sellers. For any reaserching vampirism especially, or just fasinated by this tallented writer this book is essential. It provides integral essays which traverse themes of anthrapology, in which is discussed how |Rice's characters assume A place in modern society, through to her more historical novels. But more invaluable are the essays which discuss her infamous vampire characters. In these essays is disclosed the intrinsic roots of vampirism and the gothic, linking back to writters of the Romantic epoch. They also provide A rich source of information, which deals with the more academic side of the gothic as well as A direct insight into the novels themselves. It is well researched, astute and perceptive. With Rice's work rapidly becoming recognised for its academic appel this book provides A critical idiom of her work and deserves A place on the shelf of any avid fan of the gothic, vampirism, or who is just enchanted by the pen of this literary sorceress.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The G.W.of Anne Rice is a stunning look into the mind of A.R, February 3, 1999

By 

Elizabeth Walton ([e-mail]) (Seattle Wa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gothic World of Anne Rice (Paperback)

This book takes you to a place where you can feel the passion of Anne Rices works.he is brilliant. What woundn't a person do to meet the creater of the Vampire Chronicles And The Lifes of the Mayfair Witches.She is incredible.