Illustrating the Victorian Supernatural

""This meticulously researched, generously illustrated study of a genre not systematically explored until now illuminates how Victorian illustration of the supernatural reflects, enhances, and at times counters topics including skepticism of the paranormal, the psychological dimensions of ghostliness, and the political ghoul as an incarnation of empire's repugnant past. Through Cooke's superb reading of supernatural illustrations by well-known and lesser-known artists for texts including those not typically considered ghost stories, this book will linger in our minds and imaginations long after we close its pages."" - Catherine J. Golden, author of Serials to Graphic Novels: The Evolution of the Victorian Illustrated Book ""This book takes the reader on a ghost tour of Victorian illustrations of the supernatural. Cooke is an engaging guide who breathes a new (after)life into these images and carefully considers their cultural and political significance. Under Cooke's watch, specters and phantoms-both humorous and horrifying-emerge from the shadows."" - Julia Thomas, author of The Victorian Mind's Eye: Reading Literature in an Age of Illustration ""Illustrating the Victorian Supernatural brings fresh insights into well-known illustrators of the supernatural as well as a welcome introduction to lesser-known illustrators. It also demonstrates and celebrates the evolving culture of illustration of Victorian ghost stories. Both meticulously scholarly and highly readable, this book reminds us why Victorian supernaturalism continues to exercise the powerful fascination it once held over its original readers."" - Joanna Devereux The Victorian Web