Star Trek
The Human Frontier
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 8. January 2001
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-415-92981-3 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
Michele and Duncan Barrett are mother and son - she a distinguished social theorist now working in literary and cultural studies, he a writer still in his teens. Together they take Star Trek - the TV series, films, and related projects - and explore it for what it tells us (and asks) about being human. From the progressive politics that underpinned the original program to the declining faith in rationalism that haunts Deep Space Nine and Voyager, the Star Trek story has grappled with powerful philosophical and social issues.
And throughout its thirty-year history, Star Trek has explored its themes through the metaphors of Western maritime exploration. Yet unlike the voyagers of earlier centuries, its crews have sailed not by sea but by galaxy. But in search of what?
As Michele and Duncan Barrett persuasively demonstrate here, the continuing voyage of Star Trek is a quest not for new lands but for new answers: what does it mean to be human? Witten for both the true Trekker and the complete novice, Star Trek: The Human Frontier is that rare work of cultural studies, informed by the knowledge of literature, social thought, and popular culture.
And throughout its thirty-year history, Star Trek has explored its themes through the metaphors of Western maritime exploration. Yet unlike the voyagers of earlier centuries, its crews have sailed not by sea but by galaxy. But in search of what?
As Michele and Duncan Barrett persuasively demonstrate here, the continuing voyage of Star Trek is a quest not for new lands but for new answers: what does it mean to be human? Witten for both the true Trekker and the complete novice, Star Trek: The Human Frontier is that rare work of cultural studies, informed by the knowledge of literature, social thought, and popular culture.
Reviews / Votes
"The Barretts offer a perceptive and thorough reading of the several series and movies, organizing their discussion around the franchise's idea of what it means to be, or not to be, human." -- Rudi Dornemann IainTaxi Review of Books"A book that is a delight to read. If this is what intergenerational authorship can accomplish, we should all start writing with our kids." -- Lawrence Grossberg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
"As we stand on the threshold of the age of human cloning, the leading question asked by this engaging book - What is human? - could hardly be more timely. The Barretts offer persuasive answers in their thorough analysis of a media phenomenon that has touched virtually everyone who lives in a technologically advanced society." -- Andrew Ross, New York University
"A book that is a delight to read. If this is what intergenerational authorship can accomplish, we should all start writing with our kids." -- Lawrence Grossberg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Weight
453 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-92981-3 (9780415929813)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Persons
Michele Barrett is Professor of Modern Literary and Cultural Theory at Queen Mary, University of London. Among her books are Imagination in Theory, The Politicsof Truth, and the feminist classic Women's OppressionToday. Duncan Barrett is a student at City of London School.
Content
Introduction: Earthrise
Part I. The Starry Sea
Part II. Humanity on Trial
Part III. The Post-Modern Tack
Conclusion: Exhuming the Human
Notes
Bibliography
General Index
Index of Episodes
Part I. The Starry Sea
Part II. Humanity on Trial
Part III. The Post-Modern Tack
Conclusion: Exhuming the Human
Notes
Bibliography
General Index
Index of Episodes
