07-30-2010, 08:03 PM
Thanks for such an informative post! And for the link to the gallery of cover art.
Historical gothics are my favorites by far, although I have read and enjoyed many that take place in the recent past. But I agree with you about those of the present.
The 19th century in all of its scope seems ideal to me for the gothic romance. The existence and importance to society at large (in both Europe and America) of great houses and estates, men and women of rank and/or wealth, the church's prevalence in people's lives , manifold servants (including governesses and housekeepers!)---all of these elements spawn relationships and motives that are rich material for a gothic novel to draw upon.
Historical gothics are my favorites by far, although I have read and enjoyed many that take place in the recent past. But I agree with you about those of the present.
The 19th century in all of its scope seems ideal to me for the gothic romance. The existence and importance to society at large (in both Europe and America) of great houses and estates, men and women of rank and/or wealth, the church's prevalence in people's lives , manifold servants (including governesses and housekeepers!)---all of these elements spawn relationships and motives that are rich material for a gothic novel to draw upon.