Elana Gomel – författare

Space is a central topic in cultural and narrative theory today, although in most cases theory assumes Newtonian absolute space. However, the idea of a universal homogeneous space is now obsolete. Black holes, multiple dimensions, quantum entanglement, and spatio-temporal distortions of relativity have passed into culture at large. This book examines whether narrative can be used to represent these "impossible" spaces.

Impossible topologies abound in ancient mythologies, from the Australian Aborigines’ "dream-time" to the multiple-layer universe of the Sumerians. More recently, from Alice’s adventures in Wonderland to contemporary science fiction’s obsession with black holes and quantum paradoxes, counter-intuitive spaces are a prominent feature of modern and postmodern narrative. With the rise and popularization of science fiction, the inventiveness and variety of impossible narrative spaces explodes. The author analyses the narrative techniques used to represent such spaces alongside their cultural significance. Each chapter connects narrative deformation of space with historical problematic of time, and demonstrates the cognitive and perceptual primacy of narrative in representing, imagining and apprehending new forms of space and time.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the connection between narratology, cultural theory, science fiction, and studies of place.

Space is a central topic in cultural and narrative theory today, although in most cases theory assumes Newtonian absolute space. However, the idea of a universal homogeneous space is now obsolete. Black holes, multiple dimensions, quantum entanglement, and spatio-temporal distortions of relativity have passed into culture at large. This book examines whether narrative can be used to represent these "impossible" spaces.

Impossible topologies abound in ancient mythologies, from the Australian Aborigines’ "dream-time" to the multiple-layer universe of the Sumerians. More recently, from Alice’s adventures in Wonderland to contemporary science fiction’s obsession with black holes and quantum paradoxes, counter-intuitive spaces are a prominent feature of modern and postmodern narrative. With the rise and popularization of science fiction, the inventiveness and variety of impossible narrative spaces explodes. The author analyses the narrative techniques used to represent such spaces alongside their cultural significance. Each chapter connects narrative deformation of space with historical problematic of time, and demonstrates the cognitive and perceptual primacy of narrative in representing, imagining and apprehending new forms of space and time.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the connection between narratology, cultural theory, science fiction, and studies of place.

THE JEWISH BOOK OF HORROR

Edited by Josh Schlossberg

Horror is part of the human condition, but few peoples across the ages know it quite like the Jews.

From slavery to pogroms to the Holocaust to antisemitism, the "Chosen People" have not only endured hell on Earth, they''ve risen above it to share their stories with the world.

Whether it''s pirate rabbis or demon-slaying Bible queens, concentration camp vampires or beloved, fearless bubbies, THE JEWISH BOOK OF HORROR offers you twenty-two dark tales about the culture, history, and folklore of the Jewish people.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

An Orchard of Terror: Scary Stories and the Jewish Tradition by Rabbi John Carrier

Origins of The Jewish Book of Horror by Josh Schlossberg

Torah-fying Tales: An Introduction to Jewish Horror by Molly Adams

On Seas of Blood and Salt by Richard Dansky

The Last Plague by KD Casey

The 38th Funeral by Marc Morgenstern

Same as Yesterday by Alter S. Reiss

How to Build a Sukkah at the End of the World by Lindsay King-Miller

Demon Hunter Vashti by Henry Herz

The Horse Leech Has Two Maws by Michael Picco

The Rabbi''s Wife by Simon Rosenberg

Ba''alat Ov by Brenda Tolian

Eighth Night by John Baltisberger

Bread and Salt by Elana Gomel

In the Red by Mike Marcus

A Purim Story by Emily Ruth Verona

Catch and Release by Vivian Kasley

Phinehas the Zealot by Ethan K. Lee

The Wisdom of Solomon by Ken Goldman

Welcome, Death by J.D. Blackrose

Forty Days Before Birth by Colleen Halupa

The Hanukkult of Taco Wisdom by Margret Treiber

The Divorce From God by Rami Ungar

The Hand of Fire by Daniel Braum

Bar Mitzvah Lessons by Stewart Gisser

This handbook is the first-of-its-kind comprehensive overview of fantasy outside the Anglo-American hegemony. While most academic studies of fantasy follow the well-trodden path of focusing on Tolkien, Rowling, and others, our collection spotlights rich and unique fantasy literatures in India, Australia, Italy, Greece, Poland, Russia, China, and many other areas of Europe, Asia, and the global South. The first part focuses on the theoretical aspects of fantasy, broadening and modifying existing definitions to accommodate the global reach of the genre. The second part contains essays illuminating specific cultures, countries, and religious or ethnic traditions. From Aboriginal myths to (self)-representation of Tibet, from the appropriation of the Polish Witcher by the American pop culture to modern Greek fantasy that does not rely on stories of Olympian deities, and from Israeli vampires to Talmudic sages, this collection is an indispensable reading for anyone interested in fantasy fiction and global literature.