Synopses & Reviews
Best known today as the author of
Dracula, Bram Stoker also wrote several other works, including
The Jewel of Seven Stars, Lady Athlyne, and
The Lair of the White Worm. In his exploration of supernatural subjects, such as vampirism, he is clearly a Gothic writer. The fantastic elements of his novels seem very much at odds with the world of science. Stoker, nonetheless, draws upon a large body of scientific theory and technological innovation throughout his writings. This book studies his blending of Gothic subjects with emerging discoveries in science and technology.
The volume begins with an overview of Stoker's familiarity with scientific and technical developments. It then examines the role of science and technology in his various works, which demonstrate his familiarity with civil engineering, anthropology, physics, chemistry, and archaeology. While many of his writings seem to offer a rather uncritical celebration of science and its applications, some works, such as The Jewel of Seven Stars, reveal what happens when science oversteps its bounds. Stoker emerges as an early writer of science fiction whose work thoughtfully considers the place of science in society.
Review
Although critics have frequently noted Stoker's references to technology in Dracula, Senf's volume is the first full-length study on this subject; and, although she begins with Dracula, most of Senf's study focuses on Stoker's less-known fiction....Senf's book represents a valuable study of an important but neglected author....Senf carefully grounds her work in the scholarship of Stoker and the gothic. The book is clearly written and provides helpful plot summaries of Stoker's more obscure work....Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty.Choice
Synopsis
Examines Stoker's use of science and technology throughout his writings.
Synopsis
Best known today as the author of Dracula, Bram Stoker also wrote several other works, including The Jewel of Seven Stars, Lady Athlyne, and The Lair of the White Worm. While he is largely thought of as a Gothic author, he also employs science and technology in his writings. This book examines Stoker's familiarity with scientific discoveries of his day and his blending of science and technology with supernatural subject matter. Stoker, then, emerges as an early writer of science fiction. In addition, this book shows him to be a thoughtful critic of the role of science in society.
Synopsis
Best known today as the author of Dracula, Bram Stoker also wrote several other works, including The Jewel of Seven Stars, Lady Athlyne, and The Lair of the White Worm. While he is largely thought of as a Gothic author, he also employs science and technology in his writings. This book examines Stoker's familiarity with scientific discoveries of his day and his blending of science and technology with supernatural subject matter. Stoker, then, emerges as an early writer of science fiction. In addition, this book shows him to be a thoughtful critic of the role of science in society.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [149]-153) and index.
About the Author
CAROL A. SENF is Associate Professor of English at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
Gothic Monster vs. Modern Science in Dracula
Stoker's Life: The Facts Behind the Fiction in The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland, A Glimpse of America, Personal Reminiscences of Henry Irving, and Famous Impostors
Reservations about Science, Popular Egyptology, and the Power of the Natural World in The Jewel of Seven Stars
Technological Salvation in The Snake's Pass, The Mystery of the Sea, Lady Athlyne, The Lady of the Shroud, and The Lair of the White Worm
The Place of Science in Stoker's Fiction and the Place of Science Fiction in the Stoker Oeuvre
Works Cited
Index