Apocalyptic Geographies

This book explores how Protestant evangelicals in the 19th century utilized print and visual media to influence American culture and spirituality, particularly through the lens of Apocalyptic Geographies.

In Apocalyptic Geographies, Jerome Tharaud delves into the transformative role of print and visual media among nineteenth-century Protestant evangelicals in America. During this period, the term 'apocalypse' was not merely associated with an end-time scenario but was understood as a sacred revelation. Similarly, 'geography' encompassed not just the physical landscape but also its depiction through printed materials like maps and illustrations. Tharaud's exploration reveals how these evangelicals framed the antebellum landscape as a 'sacred space' for spiritual journeys, demonstrating the powerful influence of devotional literature on broader societal norms and values.

The book examines a variety of genres and media, including religious tracts, landscape paintings, domestic fiction, and other narratives. Through this multifaceted approach, Apocalyptic Geographies highlights the intersections between popular culture, the evolving physical spaces of a growing nation, and the spiritual narratives that guided the lives of ordinary Americans. Tharaud places significant literary and artistic works—such as Thomas Cole’s The Oxbow, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and Henry David Thoreau’s Walden—within new contexts to illustrate the rise of evangelical media and its cultural implications.

Furthermore, the book discusses the controversies surrounding evangelical media and the backlash it faced, shedding light on its pivotal role in shaping the fabric of American modernity. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into how religious beliefs intertwined with cultural expressions, ultimately influencing the trajectory of American society during a crucial period of change.