Author Archives: William the Bloody

About William the Bloody

Cat lover. 18C scholar on the dialogue and novel. Co-convenor OGOM Project

Sartrean Themes in Joss Whedon’s Angel: A Marxist Interpretation

Posted on 1st November 2014 by William the Bloody

A provocative article by Doug Enaa Green, interpreting Angel in terms of Jean-Paul Sartre’s later, Marxist philosophy.

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How To Find A Masculine Halloween Costume For Your Effeminate Son

Posted on 1st November 2014 by William the Bloody

A problem of Gothic dimensions that afflicts many a troubled parent. The Onion‘s satirical take on this perennial question.

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When Edward Gorey Illustrated Dracula: Two Masters of the Macabre, Together

Posted on 1st November 2014 by William the Bloody

A short review by Maria Popova of the superb Edward Gorey’s illustrations for Dracula.

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In defence of horror

Posted on 24th October 2014 by William the Bloody

A stimulating essay by Darryl Jones on the literary tradition of horror, which is not confined to the Gothic mode but appears in Greek tragedy. Shakespeare, and even James Joyce.

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** University of Sunderland Spectral Visions: Change of venue

Posted on 24th October 2014 by William the Bloody

The time and place for the University of Sunderland’s Spectral Visions event (where I will be talking on demon lovers and paranormal romance) has changed: Change of venue! We’ve moved across the road. The new venue is Gateway on Chester … Continue reading →

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‘Into the Woods’: Go behind the scenes with Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, and more

Posted on 24th October 2014 by William the Bloody

I can’t wait to see this film version of Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant musical Into the Woods, where he weaves several of Grimms’ fairy tales into one witty interconnected narrative. Sondheim’s music and lyrics are perfect.

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What the historical inaccuracies in “Dracula Untold” tell us about the rise of Islamophobia

Posted on 24th October 2014 by William the Bloody

A thought-provoking article about anti-Islamic sentiments in the latest retelling of the Dracula tale, the film Dracula Untold.

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The Dead Men Stood Together Longlisted for the UKLA Children’s Book Award

Posted on 23rd October 2014 by William the Bloody

Lancaster University’s Beyond Twilight blog on YA fiction resumes with a review of Chris Priestley’s novel, The Dead Men Stood Together, based on Coleridge’s ‘Rime of the Ancient mariner’. This looks a fascinating novel. Beyond Twilight was established by Catherine … Continue reading →

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The New Fairy Tale Is Trying to Escape Its Past

Posted on 23rd October 2014 by William the Bloody

. . . and more on the fairy tale, referencing Marina Warner’s book. This essay by Becca Rothfeld looks at the current popularity of reworking classic fairy tales in film and TV. I am currently researching this fascinating mode of … Continue reading →

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Once Upon a Time review – Marina Warner’s scholarly history of the fairytale

Posted on 23rd October 2014 by William the Bloody

A review of Marina Warner’s new book on the fairytale, Once Upon a Time–which looks brilliant!

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