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The Shining: A Visual And Cultural Haunting

Tuesday 22nd Feb sees the launch of a Kickstarter for the new book from Craig Oldham and Rough Trade Books. The Shining: A Visual And Cultural Haunting takes the form of a ‘writing project’ by Jack Torrance, the troubled hotel caretaker from Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 masterpiece. The loose-leaf book explores the film’s cultural legacy through exclusive essays, original recollections, contributions from cultural luminaries, and art and visual ephemera.

Rare, exclusive interviews with lead actors Shelley Duvall (Wendy Torrance) and Dan Lloyd (Danny Torrance), along with a wealth of contributors including Cosey Fanni Tutti, Margaret Howell, James Lavelle (UNKLE), Gavin Turk and John Grindrod re-examine the film through the lenses of music, art, mythology, fashion, gender, and more.

‘The Shining has been described as a film about domestic abuse. Of course it was — I think that’s what a lot of Stephen King books are about. At times, working on the film felt like psychological warfare.’

- Shelley Duvall



Art plays a rich, significant role in The Shining, both literally and metaphorically. The hotel walls are adorned with art by a number of artists from various periods in history, and the work of classical and conceptual artists are essential to the visual and conceptual nature of the film. A number of these are carefully reproduced here including pieces by Alex Coleville, A.Y. Jackson, Fredrick H. Varley, Norval Morrisseau, Francisco de Goya, Reubens, John William Waterhouse, John Everett Millais, William Gilbert Gaul, Agnes Denes and Carl Andre.


A scrapbook of postcards, ephemera and promotional material explores the inspiration behind arguably, the film's most haunting character, Overlook Hotel. Explore original promotional postcards from numerous research locations drawn upon for the design of the hotel and ephemera from existing hotels which cite direct influences on the Overlook including Native American themes, promotional decor, and even room design.

There’s the chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind custom fit, knitted replica of the infamous Apollo 11 sweater worn by Danny in the film but you’ll have to be quick, it’s only available to one lucky backer.


The Kickstarter for 'The Shining: A Visual And Cultural Haunting' launches midday Tuesday 22nd February with various rewards for backers including high-quality alternative editions for limited backers. Make sure you back the project now to avoid disappointment.


Follow Craig & Rough Trade's socials for updates

Craig Oldham


Rough Trade Books

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