Dangerous Bodies

More about the book

Exploring the theme of bodily monstrosity, this work examines how irregularity and the grotesque in both Gothic architecture and human form signify societal exclusion. It delves into the oppression of the body by institutions such as the church, medicine, and the state, revealing the stark realities behind fictional horrors. The narrative traverses varied settings, including monastic communities, slave plantations, operating theaters, Jewish ghettos, and battlefield trenches, highlighting the deep-seated fears and societal critiques embedded within these contexts.