Amanda Grossman
Amanda Grossman is the Assistant Manager in the Reference and Local History Department at CDPL.
The temperature is slowly dropping, the days are getting shorter, and the bright, brilliant colors of summer are fading away. It’s almost time for sweaters, boots, scarves and coats, a fire in the hearth, and a substantial cup of something hot in your hands. Many people dread the upcoming winter with its chill and darkness, but some of us actually like the gloom, or at least the concept of gloom. I have to admit I’ve been an anglophile most of my life. I’ve imagined myself more than once stalking across a misty moor in a pair of sturdy Wellingtons and a tweed jacket, returning to my dark but cozy library in my crumbling estate to pursue my studies in obscure literature, and then perhaps solve a murder mystery or two that the local constable just can’t figure out. Our newest display, Dark Academia, appeals to me on a deep level. If you never miss an episode of Masterpiece on PBS (no judgement here), it’s a fair bet that it will appeal to you, too.
What is Dark Academia? “Dark academia is a popular academic aesthetic that revolves around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery and a general passion for knowledge and learning. Dark academia’s visuals stem primarily from upper-class European culture of the 19th century and American Prep. Other than the appreciation of learning, dark academia thought includes themes of criminality, danger and mystery. Secret societies, cults and murder are subjects within the aesthetic.” (Definition from the Aesthetics Wiki). You will find an in-depth explanation as well as highlights from the display at our blog, https://www.cdpl.lib.in.us/dark-academia/.
If you enjoyed the movie Dead Poets Society (we have an e-version of the book by N.H. Kleinbaum available through the Libby app), you are on your way to understanding the vibe, as the movie served as one of the inspirations for the genre. We also have the book The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Fic Tar), which also inspired the Dark Academia movement. In this story a group of friends at an elite university become slowly but steadily entangled together in conspiracy, betrayal and murder.
Still not sure Dark Academia is your cup of Earl Grey? Here are some buzzwords to pique your interest: gothic, romantic, moody, intellectual, cerebral. Think dusty, oak-paneled libraries with stacks receding into darkness past the glow of flickering candlelight. Think big, imposing stone structures and centuries-old seats of learning with long, sometimes sordid histories. Think secrets and mysteries and a sense of foreboding. Intrigued? A little spooked out? Perfect…now you are in just the right mood to enjoy our selections! Stop by the second floor today and check out a tome, or two or three. Brew some strong coffee, tea or extra-chocolatey cocoa, settle in your most comfortable chair, pull on your favorite sweater or throw blanket, light a fire in the hearth and turn those lamps down low.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to call us at (765)362-2242, ext. 117 or send us an email at ref@cdpl.lib.in.us.
