Haunted States : An American Gothic Guidebook

In "Haunted States: An American Gothic Guidebook", Miranda Corcoran presents a captivating exploration of the United States' eerie and often chilling history. Drawing from her cross-country expedition in the summer of 2022, Corcoran delves into sites associated with Gothic literature and cinema, examining the intricate connection between American landscapes and the myriad forms of fictional terror the country has spawned over the centuries.

This compelling work, part cultural analysis and part travel account, illuminates how the American Gothic genre draws inspiration from both natural and constructed environments. It reveals how the country's astonishing geographical diversity has shaped distinct regional expressions of horror. Moreover, the book probes into the unsettling origins of American Gothic, rooted in the nation's sombre legacy of colonialism, enslavement, brutality, and subjugation - historical transgressions that continue to unsettle the collective American psyche.

Using horror across various media as its focal point, "Haunted States" investigates the terrains, locales, and societies that birthed these spine-chilling tales. Corcoran's narrative seamlessly weaves together personal travel anecdotes, historical context, and supplementary interviews as she traverses the USA, uncovering its diverse, regional manifestations of horror. This unique guidebook offers readers an immersive journey through America's Gothic heartland, shedding light on the intricate relationship between landscape, history, and the nation's enduring fascination with the macabre.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9781914420320
Book Author:	Miranda Corcoran
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Repeater Books
Book Publisher:	Watkins Media Limited
Book Dimensions:	196 x 131 x 29 cm
Book Publication Date:	2024-08-10
Book Pagination:	352 pages
Book Weight:	316g