The editors invite proposals for essays on the theme of ‘strata’ across English literature in the period 1860-1930. This period saw landmarks in archaeological discovery including the ancient city of Troy in 1868 through to the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. In the early twentieth century, the radiometric dating of strata revolutionised geology, while psychology moved into a laboratory setting, and pioneers such as Sigmund Freud developed ground-breaking techniques to penetrate the unconscious. Thus the era was one in which varieties of depths – both literal and figurative – were explored, their treasures exposed, and their secrets made to impact upon the ways in which both the external world and the internal self were perceived.
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
– Dream, memory, consciousness and subconsciousness
– Archaeological discoveries and sites, ruins
– The artefact or the historical site as a stimulus for psychological experience
– Haunted ruins, tombs or museums
– Geological strata, coastlines, fossils
– The relationship between scholarly literature on geology / archaeology and fictional writing
The editors are particularly interested in essays which marry the two threads of physical (geological / archaeological) and psychological strata.
Essay abstracts (approx. 500 words) and a short biography (up to 100 words) including your name, position and affiliation, should be sent to email@example.com by 30 September 2015. Longer outlines or drafts are also welcome at this time. The editors aim to notify selected authors by mid-October, and completed essays should be submitted by January 2016.
Queries are welcome concerning submission topics.