by Laura Otis
First published 1720
In 19th-century Britain, new scientific ideas and technologies transform society. But this progress also sparks a gothic unease, as inventions like the telegraph and theories of evolution unsettle the status quo. Through stories, poems, and essays, this collection explores how the era's breakthroughs ignited both wonder and dread. From Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" to H.G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau," these works grapple with the unsettling implications of scientific advancement.
Genres: fiction, literature, science, historical-fiction, 19th-century, academic
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, thought-provoking
Tropes: social-commentary, unsettling
Setting: America, Baker Street, England, Norbury
Period: 19th century
624 pages · Paperback · Oxford University Press