Gothic Nightshade

Victorian Nightshades

A darkly alluring plant family and the arrival of modernity Victorian Nightshades tells the story of how one plant family—notorious for centuries in England because of its frequently psychoactive and poisonous properties—rose to social and economic prevalence during the nineteenth century. Beginning with bittersweet and belladonna, the Old World species associated with evil, witchcraft, and dangerous women in an era when traditional botanical beliefs not only assigned morality to plants but also gendered them, Campbell then moves to the ubiquitous potato and tobacco before concluding with four of the Solanaceae that achieved the widest national favor by the end of the century: the ornamental petunia and the edible pepper, eggplant, and tomato. The story of the nightshades exposes the conflicts between science and popular sentiment and between knowledge and received opinion that defined the nineteenth century. Campbell compellingly details how advances in medical and botanical knowledge, evolutionary theory, and the vagaries of human desire transformed the Solanaceae from a plant family plagued by fear and hostility in the British imagination to one of cultural favor and celebration by the turn of the century—encapsulating the Victorian era’s course to modernity.

A Comparative Glossary of the Gothic Language with Especial Reference to English and German

The Goth Garden

Explore the mysterious beauty of gothic gardening with this illustrated plant encyclopedia, featuring the history, myths, and lore behind 50 dark and unique plants perfect for creating your very own spooky garden. From the Mangave Black Widow to the humble mint plant, discover the hidden stories behind plants that bring a moody, gothic vibe to your garden. Learn what makes a garden truly gothic as you uncover the fascinating histories and legends of unusual plants, inspiring you to design your own striking gothic garden. Discover the dark and fascinating histories of these unique plants and get inspired to incorporate them into your gothic garden or spooky outdoor space. You’ll explore unique varieties like: -The “Queen of the Night” Tulip -Black Krim Tomatoes -The “Black Magic” Petunia -And many more! Unearth the secrets of plants like “Black Lace” Elderberry, with its dark foliage and connections to Freya, the goddess of love and death, or the deep red basil that adds both flavor and gothic flair to your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your botanical journey, The Goth Garden will inspire you to transform your space into an enchanting, gothic retreat filled with mystery and life.