Dissecting Hannibal Lecter - by Benjamin Szumskyj (Paperback)

About the Book

This comprehensive study of author Thomas Harris' popular works focuses particularly on Harris's internationally known antihero Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter in the classic novels Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal. In 12 scholarly essays, the work examines several themes within Harris' trilogy, including the author's artistic exploration of repressed desires, his refinement of neo-noir themes and the serial killer motif, and his developing perceptions of feminine gender roles. Several essays also focus on Harris' works before and after the popular trilogy, examining themes such as gothic romance in Harris's first novel Black Sunday and the making of a monster in the trilogy's 2006 prequel Hannibal Rising.

Book Synopsis

This comprehensive study of author Thomas Harris' popular works focuses particularly on Harris's internationally known antihero Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter in the classic novels Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal. In 12 scholarly essays, the work examines several themes within Harris' trilogy, including the author's artistic exploration of repressed desires, his refinement of neo-noir themes and the serial killer motif, and his developing perceptions of feminine gender roles. Several essays also focus on Harris' works before and after the popular trilogy, examining themes such as gothic romance in Harris's first novel Black Sunday and the making of a monster in the trilogy's 2006 prequel Hannibal Rising.

Review Quotes

"a fine job"-Dead Reckonings; "a welcome and insightful examination of an important cultural icon"-Journal of American Studies; "an erudite collection of scholarly essays...offers many insights into the literary journey undertaken by Thomas Harris...the book is successful in encouraging the Harris fan to delve deeper into the psyche of the novelist and his creations"-HorrorScope.

About the Author

Independent scholar Benjamin Szumskyj holds a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition and has been a teacher for twenty years. In addition to several articles and papers, he is the author of several books on Christian doctrine. He lives in Melville, Western Australia.