The World of Science Fiction, 1926-1976


Book Description

This book, first published in 1980, is a guide to the major forces in the subculture of science fiction. It analyses the history of the field and the related developments, for instance the Bomb, that have shaped the literature. It examines the complex of activity and background tradition, the body of accepted beliefs and conventions, and the ethics and values of the world of science fiction.




From Hyperspace to Hypertext


Book Description

This book illuminates how science fiction studies can support diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and engineering. Shortly before science fiction got its name, a new paradigm connected whiteness and masculinity to the advancement of civilization. In order to show how science fiction authors supported the social construction of these gender and racial norms – and also challenged them – this study analyzes the impact of three major editors and the authors in their orbits: Hugo Gernsback; John W. Campbell, Jr.; and Judith Merril. Supported by a fresh look at archival sources and the author’s experience teaching Science and Technology Studies at universities on three continents, this study demonstrates the interconnections among discourses of imperialism, masculinity, and innovation. Readers gain insights into fighting prejudice, the importance of the community of authors and readers, and ideas about how to challenge racism, sexism, and xenophobia in new creative work. This stimulating book demonstrates how education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can be enhanced by adding the liberal arts, such as historical and literary studies, to create STEAM.




Speculations on Speculation


Book Description

Science fiction is a field of literature that has great interest and great controversy among its writers and critics. This book examines the roots, history, development, current status, and future directions of the field through articles contributed by well-respected science fiction writers, teachers, and critics. This book can be used as a textbook for courses in theory as well as courses in science fiction literature and science fiction writing.




The Empire Strikes Out


Book Description

German science fiction offers a most interesting contribution to the history and criticism of science fiction. William B. Fischer examines two writers, Kurd Lasswitz and Hans Dominik. He concludes that German science fiction is in distinct contrast to the "normative" tradition of modern Anglo-American science fiction and to many other literary traditions as well. His book demonstrates vividly the social relevance and enduring cultural vitality of science fiction.




Impossibility Fiction


Book Description

Impossibility fiction is an 'intergenre' that has recently been the resort of many writers searching for new ways of understanding and expressing the real world of the imagination, making use of fantasy, alternative history and science fiction. Coping with ideas that are both impossible and realistically constructed is the ultimate contemporary challenge of our technology. The chapters of this book move towards establishing appropriate readings that allow contemporary readers to negotiate unreality, a skill that the end of the millennium is making inevitably necessary. Such strategies have long been the preserve of literary and cultural study, and here a number of well-regarded scholars and some new to the field make their contribution to an area that has become increasingly important in recent years. From Mary Shelley to Philip K. Dick, Iain M. Banks to J.G. Ballard, taking in African-American science fiction, Jurassic Park, and Kurt Vonnegut, and exploring issues of alternative history and ideology, feminism, the holocaust, characterisation, and impossible geography, this collection is an important source-book for all those interested in the literature, culture and philosophy of realistic impossible worlds.




Qualitative Designs and Methods in Nursing (Set)


Book Description

This is the first series to comprehensively address leading qualitative research designs and methods from a nursing perspective, and is a must-have for every research library. These are practical, how-to guides to conducting research using seven different qualitative designs that encompass new and traditional methodologies. Written by Dr. Mary de Chesnay, a noted qualitative research scholar, and contributing specialists in each of the qualitative methods, each of the seven books discusses the theoretical rationale for using a particular design, describes its components, and delineates a practical plan to conduct studies. Utilizing a practical, problem-solving approach, the books delineate appropriate methods, ethical considerations, critical issues, and potential pitfalls. Examples of published qualitative nursing research worldwide, along with author commentary, support the new researcher in making decisions and facing challenges. Case studies follow a template that includes a description of the study, data collection and analysis, and dissemination. Also included are techniques whereby researchers can ensure high standards of rigor, and an extensive bibliography and list of resources. The bookís practical point of view is geared to help novice researchers and specialists alike develop or expand their competencies, engage graduate faculty and students, and aid nursing research staff in larger hospitals and other healthcare institutions, as well as in-service educators and students. Key Features of this One-of-a-Kind Resource Library: Focuses on practical problem solving Reviews the philosophical basis for each qualitative design Disseminates the most current references in each design Provides a plan to conduct studies using the design and discusses appropriate methods, ethical considerations, and potential challenges Showcases the research of international scholars Is peer reviewed by design and method experts




C.M. Kornbluth


Book Description

Cyril Kornbluth is a legendary figure in science fiction. As a teenager in the years before World War II, he wrote prolifically and brilliantly under multiple pennames. After military service he developed a voice distinctive for its commanding intelligence, passion, and wit, displaying it in a string of novels and short stories including his award-winning "The Little Black Bag." His sudden death in 1958, at the early age of 35, marked the end of an era--it was a time when his chosen literary field was contemplating its potential demise. This comprehensive biography tells the story of this remarkable writer and his works for the first time.




Age of Wonders


Book Description

Age of Wonders: Exploring the World of Science Fiction gives an insider's view of the strange and wonderful world of science fiction, by one of the most respected editors in the field, David G. Hartwell (1941-2016). David G. Hartwell edited science fiction and fantasy for over twenty years. In that time, he worked with acclaimed and popular writers such as Robert A. Heinlein, Poul Anderson, Frank Herbert, Roger Zelazny, Robert Silverberg, Gene Wolfe, Nancy Kress, L.E. Modesitt, Terry Bisson, Lisa Goldstein, and Philip Jose Farmer, and discovered hot new talents like Kathleen Ann Goonan and Patrick O'Leary. Now in Age of Wonder, Hartwell describes the field he loved, worked in, and shaped as editor, critic, and anthologist. Like those other American art forms, jazz, comics, and rock 'n' roll, science fiction is the product of a rich and fascinating subculture. Age of Wonder is a fascinating tour of the origins, history, and culture of the science fiction world, written with insight and genuine affection for this wonder-filled literature, and addressed to newcomers and longtime SF readers alike. Age of Wonder remains "the landmark work" Roger Zelazny called the first edition. The book contains sections that offer advice on teaching courses in science fiction, disquisitions on the controversial subgenre of hard SF, and practical explanations of the economics of publishing science fiction and fantasy. Age of Wonder still lives up to Hugo and Nebula Award winner Vonda McIntyre's description: "An entertaining and provocative book that will inspire discussion and argument for years to come."




Clifford Donald Simak – An Affectionate Appreciation


Book Description

A professional newspaperman, Clifford Donald Simak was a major figure both in and beyond the ‘Golden Age’ of science fiction. Active for more than fifty years, he published some 140 short stories and (depending on how you count) at least 27 novels. The many Awards he received – three Hugos, a Nebula, a Jupiter, a Locus, an Analog, and an International Fantasy Award – to say nothing of many nominations, show that his contemporaries recognised his qualities. It is no surprise that the Science Fiction Writers of America elected him as their third SWFA Grand Master. This book considers what he achieved. CDS grew up in Grant County, Wisconsin, just south of where the Wisconsin flows into the Mississippi. Many of his tales reflect the ‘Simak country’ of his youth, regularly drawing on the characteristics of the residents of that area. They are high value entertainment. Some are extremely amusing. Others lead you on to explore many ideas: what does it mean to be sentient, to be human, how should/can we cope with technology, has life a purpose, and if so what, and, what about aliens? Francis Lyall, a retired academic lawyer, has been enjoying Simak stories since he was a teenager. Preface 5 Introduction 8 Chapter I Clifford Donald Simak 15 Chapter II Simak Country 40 Chapter III Trees and Houses 68 1. Trees 68 2. Houses 72 Chapter IV Simak Folk 79 1. General 79 2. Dogs 85 3. Names 86 Chapter V Androids, Robots, Aliens and Others 101 1. Androids 101 2. Robots 103 3. Aliens and Others 113 Chapter VI Gadgets, Gates et al. 125 1. Technology 125 2. Time Travel 128 3. Other Worlds 130 4. Parallel and Alternate Worlds 131 5. Access to Worlds: Machines 134 6. Gates and Doors 134 7. Roads and Tunnels 135 8. Other Artificial Aids 135 9. Equations and Longing 136 Chapter VII Of Man 139 1. Mental Powers 139 2. Knowledge and Education 142 3. Multiple Minds 147 4. Mind-swap 148 5. Telepathy and Parakinesis 150 6. Symbiotes 150 Chapter VIII Mysticism and Mistiness 153 1. Dark Tales 153 2. Controllers 157 3. Purpose 158 4. Creator? 159 5. A Journey? 160 6. Helpers and Monitors 164 7. Faith and Truth 169 8. Ethics: Life: Caring 173 Chapter IX An Evaluation 180




The Politics of Fandom


Book Description

Fandom has been celebrated both as a harmonious, tolerant space and as apolitical and detached from reality. Yet fandom is neither harmonious nor apolitical. Throughout the past century, fandom has been shaped by recurring controversies and sparked by the emergence of new circles, platforms and discourses. Since the earliest days of science-fiction fandom, fans have conceived of their communities as quasi-political bodies, and of themselves as public actors in discursive spaces. They are concerned with the organizational structures, norms, and borders of fandom as well as their own position within it all. This latter concern has moved to the forefront as fan practices and platforms have been coopted by the entertainment industry and by political actors, forcing fans to situate their fannish and political identities in relation to both sprawling transmedia franchises and right-wing groups exploiting fannish formations for political ends. Through case studies of Glee and The Hunger Games fandoms as well as events such as Gamergate, RaceFail '09 and the Hugo Awards controversies, this book explores the complexities of political fandom.