|    Login    |    Register

Science and Social Science in Bram Stoker's Fiction

(Hardback)


Publishing Details

Full Title:

Science and Social Science in Bram Stoker's Fiction

Contributors:

By (Author) Carol A. Senf

ISBN:

9780313312038

Publisher:

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Imprint:

Praeger Publishers Inc

Publication Date:

30th October 2002

Country:

United States

Classifications

Readership:

Tertiary Education

Fiction/Non-fiction:

Non Fiction

Other Subjects:

Literary studies: c 1900 to c 2000
Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900
Impact of science and technology on society

Dewey:

823.8

Physical Properties

Physical Format:

Hardback

Number of Pages:

176

Dimensions:

Width 156mm, Height 235mm

Weight:

397g

Description

Examines Stoker's use of science and technology throughout his writings. 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.

Reviews

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
"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

Author Bio

Carol A. Senf is Associate Professor of English at Georgia Institute of Technology._Her previous books include The Critical Response to Bram Stoker (Greenwood, 1993)

See all

Other titles by Carol A. Senf

See all

Other titles from Bloomsbury Publishing PLC