The Hidden Library of Tanith Lee: Themes and Subtexts from Dionysos to the Immortal Gene [Paperback]

Mavis Haut (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001

Despite the great diversity of settings in Tanith Lee's novels-from the pre-historic origins of Christianity to robot-dominated futurescapes-certain underlying thoughts and references appear consistently. While adhering formally to many of the writing conventions of the fantasy, science fiction and horror genres, Lee also engages the meaning of myths of the Greeks (particularly Dionysos), Egyptians, Persians and Indians. The dynamics of magic, alchemy, shamanism, Gnosticism and reincarnation also surface frequently. This critical work examines Lee's highly original applications of such themes and subtexts. Less prominent themes are also covered, as well as her insights into human nature, her humor, her numerous tributes to literature, her comments on writing, her games with space, time and language, and her preoccupation with detail and background. Also included is an interview with Tanith Lee, a bibliography of Lee's work, a general bibliography, and an index.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Retired college instructor Mavis Haut is a full-time writer living in London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078641085X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786410859
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,850,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating overview, but...., August 13, 2001

By 

J. Lim "wombat1138" (San Mateo, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hidden Library of Tanith Lee: Themes and Subtexts from Dionysos to the Immortal Gene (Paperback)

I've been fascinated by Tanith Lee's books ever since encountering _Red as Blood_ as a preteen. Since then, I've been acquiring more of them, and have noticed (both consciously and not) a number of the themes that weave throughout her work.

_The Hidden Library_ discusses many of these, largely as expressed through Lee's novels rather than her copious short stories. Since many of these novels are now out of print, Mavis Haut thoughtfully summarizes them before proffering analyses. Some of the summaries are a bit confusing-- not too surprising in view of the twists and turns which Lee's plots can undergo-- but generally there's enough information to understand the discussions that follow: recurring symbolism, mythological roots, the significance of names, structural parallels, and so on.

Truthfully, while I enjoyed the book and found that it offered some insights that would've never occurred to me, I still have to consider it a bit slim for the price. However, the book also contains a lengthy interview with Lee, as well as information about forthcoming books in the "Flat Earth" and "Blood Opera" series; these features are, as far as I know, available nowhere else.

In conclusion, while I can recommend this book for Lee fans, I must do so with mild reservations. True completists may have fewer quibbles with it than I do, as one of my frustrations with the book was being intrigued by summaries of novels which are now out of print and nearly impossible to acquire, except at rates even higher than for this book.