Electricity and X-Rays in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Literature with Ancient Egyptian Themes

What is it about?

This essay looks at the inclusion of modern scientific ideas about electricity and x-rays in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century literature, using Bram Stoker's novel 'The Jewel of Seven Stars' and H. Rider Haggard's short story 'Smith and the Pharaohs' as case studies.

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Photo by Bas Emmen on Unsplash

Photo by Bas Emmen on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This essay demonstrates that cutting-edge scientific ideas were often used alongside ancient Egyptian themes in literature to suggest the advanced nature of ancient Egyptian society.