Cultural References

Works of literature, media, and cultural artifacts connected to symbolic narratives.

Archive / Cultural References

Haunted Media: Electronic Presence from Telegraphy to Television – Jeffrey Sconce – 2000, Duke University Press

Sconce’s work investigates the historical connection between emerging electronic media and cultural beliefs regarding communication with the deceased, revealing how anxieties about technology shaped perceptions of the supernatural.
It explores how each new medium—telegraph, radio, television—was quickly imbued with the potential for ghostly transmissions.
The book appeals to those interested in media studies, cultural history, and the interplay between technology and belief.

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Archive / Cultural References

Heaven and Hell – Emanuel Swedenborg – 1758

Swedenborg’s Heaven and Hell offers a detailed account of the afterlife based on the author’s claimed spiritual experiences, linking a person’s earthly life to their post-mortem state. It provides a unique 18th-century perspective on the relationship between spirituality, psychology, and the structure of the cosmos.

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Archive / Cultural References

Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad – 1899, Various editors

Heart of Darkness is a novella that explores the dark side of colonialism and the human psyche through a journey into the Congo. It examines themes of power, morality, and the confrontation with primal forces.

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Archive / Cultural References

Horror Film: A Psychological History – Ian Conroy – 2001

Ian Conroy’s work provides a psychological exploration of the horror film genre, linking its enduring popularity to fundamental human anxieties and desires. It offers a theoretical framework for understanding the emotional impact of horror through the lens of psychoanalytic theory.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gunfighter Nation: The Myth of the Frontier in Twentieth-Century America – Richard Slotkin – 1992

Slotkin examines how the myth of the American frontier has shaped national identity and justified violence throughout the 20th century.
The book traces the evolution of the “frontier violence” pattern through historical events and popular culture.
It challenges romanticized depictions of the Wild West, revealing its complex and often brutal nature.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gathering Moss – Robin Wall Kimmerer – 2003, Oregon State University Press

Robin Wall Kimmerer’s ‘Gathering Moss’ blends botanical science with cultural history and Indigenous knowledge, revealing the hidden world of bryophytes and prompting a reassessment of our relationship with nature.
It offers a unique perspective on how we perceive the natural world and the symbolic significance of often-overlooked organisms.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gods and Myths of Japan – Dorothea Saltonstall – 1972

This work provides an accessible overview of Japanese mythology, exploring the key deities and narratives that shape its cultural landscape.
It contextualizes the myths within Japanese history and belief systems.
It’s a good starting point for those new to Japanese mythology.

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Archive / Cultural References

Grimm’s Fairy Tales – Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm – 1812-1857

Grimm’s Fairy Tales is a collection of folk stories that offers insights into the human condition, cultural history, and the power of narrative. The tales, while seemingly simple, are rich in symbolism and explore universal themes.

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Archive / Cultural References

Greek Tragedy – Humphrey Davy Findley Kitto – 1944

This book explores Greek tragedy as a cultural and religious phenomenon, examining its origins, conventions, and enduring themes. It provides an accessible introduction to Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gods and Fighting Men – Augusta Gregory – 1904

Augusta Gregory’s “Gods and Fighting Men” presents retellings of Irish myths, specifically those relating to the Tuatha Dé Danann, within the context of the Irish Literary Revival. It is a culturally significant work for understanding the re-imagining of Irish identity in the early 20th century.

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