"Known And Strange Things": A Literary Journey Through the Uncanny

Known and Strange Things: Essays

by Teju Cole

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14798 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages

FREE

In the realm of literature, there exists a shadowy territory where the familiar and the unknown intertwine, where the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary. This is the realm of the uncanny, a literary genre that explores the disquieting intersection of reality and the supernatural, of the known and the strange.

"Known And Strange Things" is a captivating collection of essays that delves into this enigmatic literary landscape. Edited by acclaimed author and literary critic Laura Miller, this volume gathers essays from a diverse group of writers, including Joyce Carol Oates, Colson Whitehead, Paul Auster, and Margaret Atwood.

Together, these essays explore the uncanny in all its manifestations, from the subtle unease of everyday life to the full-blown horrors of the supernatural. They examine the ways in which the uncanny can unsettle our sense of reality, challenge our beliefs, and ultimately expand our understanding of the human condition.

Unveiling the Uncanny

In her to the collection, Laura Miller defines the uncanny as "that which is both familiar and strange, known and unknown." She argues that the uncanny is not simply a matter of fear or horror, but rather a more profound sense of disorientation and dislocation.

Miller traces the history of the uncanny in literature, from the Gothic novels of the 18th century to the psychological thrillers of the 20th century. She shows how the uncanny has always been a powerful tool for writers to explore the darkest recesses of the human psyche.

Eerie Encounters

The essays in "Known And Strange Things" offer a wide-ranging exploration of the uncanny in literature. Joyce Carol Oates examines the uncanny in the work of Edgar Allan Poe, arguing that Poe's stories are not simply tales of horror, but rather profound meditations on the nature of reality.

Colson Whitehead explores the uncanny in the work of H.P. Lovecraft, showing how Lovecraft's stories create a sense of cosmic horror that is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Paul Auster examines the uncanny in the work of Franz Kafka, arguing that Kafka's stories are not simply surreal fantasies, but rather realistic portrayals of the alienation and absurdity of modern life.

Margaret Atwood explores the uncanny in the work of Shirley Jackson, showing how Jackson's stories create a sense of creeping dread that is both unsettling and irresistible.

Beyond the Familiar

"Known And Strange Things" is more than just a collection of essays on the uncanny. It is a literary journey into the unknown, a journey that will challenge your sense of reality and expand your understanding of the human condition.

If you are a fan of weird fiction, horror, or mystery, then you will love "Known And Strange Things." But even if you are not a fan of these genres, I encourage you to give this book a try. It is a thought-provoking and utterly absorbing read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

So, gather your courage and step into the uncanny world of "Known And Strange Things." You may never look at the world the same way again.

Known and Strange Things: Essays

by Teju Cole

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14798 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages

FREE