Tailored specifically for students new to the daunting field of literary theory, Fred Botting's Gothicis a clear and welcome introduction to the study of this compelling genre. This lucid, easy-to-follow guide:* Explains the transformations of the genre through history* Outlines all the major figures which define the genre, such as ghosts, monsters and vampires* Charts key texts over two centuries* Traces origins of the form* Looks at the cultural and historical location of gothic images and texts* Provides a succinct introduction to the field which is also an excellent foundation for further study