The Gothic: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

I have over a dozen of these cute volumes. They are well-written and obviously have a steady editorial hand weighing over this series because they are consistent in tone, voice, coverage, and sensibility. This one on The Gothic helped me understand the popularity of "Harry Potter," the "Twilight" series of books and movies. It does not, however, get into the pathology of "goth." Example, a good number of shooters in the US identified with the "goth" subculture. Then again, they also were big consumers of Big Pharma psychotropic medication. The only other niggle I offer is that Broom needs to address the vampirism and pedophilic expression of the gothic sensibility and behavior. The so-called "royal" family of the UK is descended from Vlad "The Impaler" Drago (or Count Dracula in the popular culture) and Prince Charles spends a lot of time hanging out (perhaps upside down) in his estate in Transylvania in homage to his illustrious ancestor. Then there is the Beeb's presenter Jimmy Savile (read about the current paedophilia; necrophilia; sex abuse scandal in the UK) connection to the royals and high level Illuminists. These are all expressions of contemporary social and cultural decadence which has its antecedents in the gothic wing of the Anglo-American Romantic period. I gladly would plunk down good money to read a full-length treatment of The Gothic by Broom given the tantalizing taste he has provided the casual reader with this volume. So, Professor Broom, please so what you can come up with in this vein.

Remarkably absorbing. First chapter a bit of a slog, inevitable since the author is delving into the earliest mentions in history (Ostrogoths, Visigoths, etc.) After that I found each chapter got more and more interesting. Wish it were longer.

This is a very thoughtful introduction to a term whose meaning has been spread around a lot throughout English language history, as Professor Groom explains. Going all the way back to the Gothic tribes who overran the Roman Empire, he traces the various applications the term has been given at different times in British politics, European architecture, a literary genre, a musical movement, etc. If you're curious about one or more of these applications, then this book is for you.

Arrived in excellent condition and ahead of time. Very informative.

A short overview of what " gothic " was and what " gothic " is. It motivates me to reread, reevaluate the 18th.cent. novels I read so many years ago .

Excellent introduction to the subject.

tedious, states the obvious, do not recommend

For a short introduction this is surprisingly comprehensive. And better still, it is clearly written by an intelligent person who knows their subject and knows how to convey it to others. If only other academics were as talented.

I have read many of the books in this series. I find they offer a considered, relevant and informative viewpoint. They are great introductory books that allow you to absorb ideas in a short space of time.

Interesting and historically accurate.......a great read for anybody curious historically speaking about the gothic movement and how it came into existence

A fine book

vgood