The Mechanics of Wonder: The Creation of the Idea of Science FictionLiverpool University Press, 1 janv. 1998 - 344 pages This is a sustained argument about the idea of science fiction by a renowned critic. Overturning many received opinions, it is both controversial and stimulating Much of the controversy arises from Westfahl's resurrection of Hugo Gernsback - for decades a largely derided figure - as the true creator of science fiction. Following an initial demolition of earlier critics, Westfahl argues for Gernsback's importance. His argument is fully documented, showing a much greater familiarity with early American science fiction, particularly magazine fiction, than previous academic critics or historians. After his initial chapters on Gernsback, he examines the way in which the Gernsback tradition was adopted and modified by later magazine editors and early critics. This involves a re-evaluation of the importance of John W. Campbell to the history of science fiction as well as a very interesting critique of Robert Heinlein's Beyond the Horizon, one the seminal texts of American science fiction. In conclusion, Westfahl uses the theories of Gernsback and Campbell to develop a descriptive definition of science fiction and he explores the ramifications of that definition. The Mechanics of Wonder will arouse debate and force the questioning of presuppositions. No other book so closely examines the origins and development of the idea of science fiction, and it will stand among a small number of crucial texts with which every science fiction scholar or prospective science fiction scholar will have to read. |
Table des matières
Acknowledgements page | 1 |
Hugo Gernsbacks Theory | 37 |
Hugo Gernsbacks Ralph 124C 41+ | 92 |
Hugo Gernsbacks Career | 137 |
Critical Voices between | 164 |
John W Campbell Jrs Theory | 179 |
John W Campbell Jrs | 254 |
Conclusion | 287 |
Works Cited | 319 |
341 | |
Autres éditions - Tout afficher
The Mechanics of Wonder: The Creation of the Idea of Science Fiction Gary Westfahl Affichage d'extraits - 1998 |
Expressions et termes fréquents
accepted actually adventure Aldiss Alice Amazing Stories Analog announced argue argument Asimov Astounding Science-Fiction Astounding Stories authors blurb Campbell's claim commentaries described detective detective fiction discussed dystopia editorial element emerged entertainment example existence explain fantasy future Gernsback's ideas Gernsback's theories Gothic novel Harlan Ellison Heinlein history of science Horizon Hugo Gernsback human idea of science imaginative influence inspired interest Introduction inventions issue of Amazing John Jules Verne later letter literary genre literature machines melodrama modern science fiction Moon Moskowitz narrative noted offer possible predictions problems published Ralph readers reprinted satire science fiction criticism Science Fiction League science fiction magazines science fiction stories science fiction writers Science Wonder Stories scientific education scientific fact scientific romance scientifiction scientists simply Sloane society space Stories Quarterly suggest Suvin texts tradition travel literature Tremaine unsigned utopia writing science fiction York
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