Overview

Theology in the Early British and Irish Gothic, 17641832 reassesses the relationship between contemporary theology and the Gothic. Investigating Gothic aesthetics, depictions of the supernatural and portrayals of religious organisations, it explores how the Gothic engages with contemporary theologies, both Dissenting and Anglican. Moving away from the emphasis on either a monolithic Protestantism or on the Gothic as a secular mode, it shows the ways in which the Gothic exploration of the transcendent and the obscure cannot be separated from the diverse theologies of its day. The project maps how the Gothic not only reflects but actively engages in the theological debates and controversies contemporary to its efflorescence.

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9781839981531

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Reviews

‘In this excellent study, Sam Hirst meticulously explores the theological underpinnings of a broad range of early British and Irish Gothic fictions. As rigorously researched as it is elegantly written, the volume convincingly shows, in the end, how we ignore the Gothic’s abiding theological contexts and concerns to our peril.’ —Dale Townshend, Professor of Gothic Literature, Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. ‘Through intellectually nuanced and refined engagement with contemporary religious discourse and literary analysis, Hirst’s book reframes the Gothic as a theologically inflected genre. The book brings a refreshing, novel and much-needed perspective to Gothic studies and provides a critical stepping stone in the field of Gothic literature and theology.’—Madeline Potter, University of York, UK. ‘Theology in the Early British and Irish Gothic, 1764–1834 charts new trajectories for a subject that is important to our understanding of the Gothic. Through a series of thematically organised chapters on toleration, the sublime, theorising the demonic sublime, dreams and ghosts, Hirst’s study promises to be an important intervention in the field of Gothic theology.’ —Angela Wright, University of Sheffield, UK.

Author Information

Holly Hirst completed her PhD in the theology of early British Gothic at Manchester Metropolitan University and currently works as an associate lecturer. She runs the online education project 'Romancing the Gothic'.

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