Uncanny Doubles

This book offers an original and innovative study of how the intersection of the Doppelgänger and the Gothic reveals repressed aspects of our singular and collective past, while also serving as a lens to investigate ourselves and our historical moment. The concept of the doppelgänger has seen a resurgence in popular culture, with films and series like The Haunting of Bly Manor, Us, and Dark exploring themes of doubles, twins, and clones. These narratives transform familiar worlds into uncanny, threatening environments filled with shadows and danger, reflecting the combative, partisan nature of the early 21st century. Key concepts explored in this book include the psychological and cultural implications of doppelgängers, the Gothic's role in expressing societal fears, and the ways in which these narratives mirror our own ideological divides. Through expert analysis, the authors uncover how these dark doubles, with their malevolent intentions, symbolize the fractures within ourselves and our world, creating a Gothicized reality that threatens our very existence. This book is essential for scholars of Gothic literature, cultural studies, and psychology, as well as anyone interested in understanding the deeper meanings behind popular narratives of doubles and the uncanny. It invites readers to explore how we are living in truly Gothic times.

Simon Bacon is an Independent Scholar based in Poznań, Poland. He has edited and authored 30+ books on various subjects including Gothic: A Reader (2018), Horror: A Companion (2019), Nosferatu in the 21st Century (2023), Future Folk Horror (2023), The Palgrave Handbook of the Vampire (2024), and The Palgrave Handbook of the Zombie (forthcoming).