Metropolis on the Styx: The Underworlds of Modern Urban Culture, 18002001

Dive deep into the hidden depths of urban imagination with David L. Pike's "Metropolis on the Styx: The Underworlds of Modern Urban Culture, 18002001." This first edition paperback, published by Cornell University Press in 2007, unveils the captivating story of how underground spaces and their persistent myths have shaped our understanding and experience of the modern city. Spanning 400 pages, Pike's meticulously researched and insightful work explores the evolution of the urban underworld from a literal space beneath our feet to a powerful and enduring symbol in literature, art, and popular culture. Following up on his acclaimed "Subterranean Cities," Pike shifts his focus to the cultural impact of these hidden realms. He masterfully weaves together a compelling narrative that illuminates the rise of a "vertical city" within the collective imagination of 19th-century Paris and London. Picture a labyrinthine world teeming with both celestial and infernal forces, a place where devils lurk in the shadows and subterranean villains plot their schemes. This is a city crisscrossed by hidden passages, blurring the boundaries between the world above and the abyss below. "Metropolis on the Styx" isn't just a dry academic study; its a vibrant tapestry woven from a rich array of sources. Pike draws connections between seemingly disparate elements pulpy detective stories and haunting movie serials, the evocative poetry of Charles Baudelaire and the glittering prose of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the romantic narratives of Elinor Glyn, and the gritty broadsheets and everyday ephemera that captured the pulse of urban life. By examining these diverse materials, Pike constructs a compelling theory of modern underground space, demonstrating its profound and lasting influence on our perceptions of the urban environment. Why do our ideas about cities remain rooted in the 19th century, even as cities themselves have transformed beyond recognition? Pike argues that the enduring myths of the underworld continue to shape our understanding of urban life, influencing our perceptions of crime, poverty, alienation, and the hidden forces at play beneath the surface. This book delves into the anxieties and fantasies associated with the urban underground, exploring how these ideas were reflected in the art, literature, and popular culture of the time. "Metropolis on the Styx" is more than just a historical analysis; it's a journey into the human psyche. Its about the fears and fascinations that drive our imaginations, the way we seek to understand and control the unknown, and the enduring power of myth to shape our reality. Pikes ability to integrate a variety of critical approaches, historical periods, and academic disciplines makes this work a truly unique and groundbreaking contribution to urban studies and cultural history. This meticulously researched book includes a rich visual component, featuring photographs, movie stills, prints, engravings, paintings, cartoons, maps, and drawings of actual and imagined subterranean spaces. These images are not mere illustrations, but integral parts of the argument, offering a visual counterpoint to the textual analysis and further enriching the reader's understanding of the subject matter. Whether you're interested in social history, literary criticism, urban sociology, or simply fascinated by the hidden depths of the urban imagination, "Metropolis on the Styx" offers a captivating and insightful exploration of the underworld's lasting legacy. Weighing in at 454 grams, this book is a substantial and thought-provoking addition to any library.