I am after suggestions for further reading as much as information. My general areas if interest are: Comparisons with Gothic lit eg. Frankenstein - reanimation ideas explored in eg. Ligeia. Similarly suspicion (or otherwise) of advancing science, blurring of life and death (M. Valdemar). My understanding of this area is quite vague (as demonstrated) and I would very much appreciate any help.

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2003

Answers

Check the main sites on the web for Gothic Lit. and the Romantic movement. You need to see where these people were coming from. It has a lot to do with social changes and revolutions at the time, including the shocks of new science, revolt against mere reason. At the same time they were also in continuity with the age of reason versus other civilization shifts(Industry, religion)and new possibilities opening up as old things decayed.

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2003