Cornish Gothic, 1830-1913

This book explores the unique Cornish Gothic tradition from 1830 to 1913, examining its cultural significance and influences on literature.

In the nineteenth century, Cornwall was perceived as a mysterious land, almost a foreign territory within England. It was a region steeped in legends, haunted by ghosts, and populated with ghouls and monsters. The book Cornish Gothic, 1830-1913 delves into how Gothic authors utilized this rich tapestry of folklore to establish a distinctive Cornish Gothic tradition. It seeks to understand the reasons behind the fascination with Cornwall among writers during this era, examining the significant cultural shifts that occurred, such as the decline of the mining industry and the rise of the national rail network, alongside the burgeoning tourism sector and a renewed interest in King Arthur.

The exploration of Cornwall during this period is crucial for grasping the broader context of Gothic literature, the Victorian imagination, and the evolving attitudes towards regional identity. The first section of Cornish Gothic, 1830-1913 focuses on the interplay of landscape and legend, articulating a mining Gothic tradition and highlighting the shipwreck as a recurring Gothic motif. It also reveals how antiquarians drew inspiration from local legends and lore, enriching the Gothic narrative.

In the second part, the book investigates the encounters with modernity, particularly how the expansion of the railway system transformed access to Cornwall. It discusses the emergence of a Cornish King Arthur as a symbol of Victorian masculinity and examines the unique characteristics of Cornish ghost stories, illustrating how these elements contributed to the Gothic tradition in the region.