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February 24, 2006
What to See at the Conference - Horror
There is a wealth of papers representing the Horror Division this year. Among them is a session on the writing of Michael Arnzen with Mike (wearing his scholarly hat) presenting a paper on his own work.
For Lovecraft fans, there are two papers on the horror mythologist, one looking at Lovecraft’s reinvention of the horror genre (his shift of horror from the often predictable Judeo-Christian cosmos to the inherent terrifying universe of science) and a second examining Lovecraft’s influence on Thomas Ligotti.
One of the most interesting papers (one that I am personally looking forward to) dissects Mark Denielewsi’s House of Leaves, the fascinating novel that circulated widely in manuscript before its actual publication. House of Leaves manipulates the often overworked theme of the haunted house into a truly terrifying examination of interior space.
In addition, there will be papers on Hawthorne, Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, Chuck Palahniuk’s Phastasmagoria, Wrath James White’s short story, “Resurrection Day,” “Boobs” by ICFA writer Suzy McKee Charnas, two papers on Stephen King, and for Proust lovers, a paper that follows up on last year’s examination of psychoanalytical terror in the works of the French writer.
There are also two papers with a philosophical bent, one on the actual phenomenon of horror and a second on Eastern philosophy and western occult.
Lord Ruthven Assembly members are active (as always), presenting several papers on Dracula (of course), including a paper session on the visual in the grand-daddy of all vampire novels (with LRA’s guest scholar, Elizabeth Miller, presenting). In addition, LRA will tender a panel on the always popular “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and separate papers on I am Legend, Interview with a Vampire, and Vampire Hunter D.
LRA’s David Van Becker will offer a paper on his life work, the Gothic, and there will be one very unusual paper examining Canada’s unique Prince Edward Island in relation to Anne of Green Gables and Dracula.
Finally, although Chelsea Quinn Yarbro will not be at the conference this year (she will be in Italy for a promotional tour), there will be several readings by varied horror authors.
Stephanie Moss
Head, Horror Division
Posted by ChrissieMains at February 24, 2006 03:05 PM