
Saving the World Through Science Fiction
James Gunn, Writer, Teacher and Scholar
Michael R. Page(Author)
McFarland & Co Inc (Publisher)
Published on 13. March 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
296 pages
978-1-4766-6309-8 (ISBN)
Description
One of the major figures in science fiction for more than sixty years, James Gunn has been instrumental in making the genre one of the most vibrant and engaging areas of literary scholarship. His genre history Alternate Worlds and his The Road to Science Fiction anthologies introduced countless readers to science fiction. He founded the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction in 1982.
But Gunn has also been one of the genre's leading writers. His classic novels Star Bridge (with Jack Williamson), The Joy Makers, The Immortals and The Listeners helped shape the field. Now in his nineties, he remains a prominent voice. His forthcoming novel is Transformation. Drawing on materials from Gunn's archives and personal interviews with him, this study is the first to examine the life, career and writing of this science fiction grandmaster.
But Gunn has also been one of the genre's leading writers. His classic novels Star Bridge (with Jack Williamson), The Joy Makers, The Immortals and The Listeners helped shape the field. Now in his nineties, he remains a prominent voice. His forthcoming novel is Transformation. Drawing on materials from Gunn's archives and personal interviews with him, this study is the first to examine the life, career and writing of this science fiction grandmaster.
Reviews / Votes
"groundbreaking...recommended" -The Midwest Book Review; "a labor of love...gives a clear impression of Gunn's significant influence on the recent history of the genre...invaluable.... Page here takes the initial step towards what may ultimately result in a greater academic appreciation of an important yet critically neglected figure in our field"-Science Fiction Studies; "James Gunn's influence in the science fiction field, as author, editor, teacher and critic, has continued for decades, rising recently to the SFWA Grand Master Award. He has been in my mind from my first days, with his graceful novels and stories, and later a colleague with whom I have engaged in countless spirited discussions. This journey through his work is a fine introduction to a fiercely independent talent."-George Zebrowski, John W. Campbell Award Winner for Brute Orbits and the classic Macrolife; "A book devoted to the life and work of James Gunn, anthologist, scholar, and one of science fiction's most eloquent and influential writers, is long overdue. Michael Page offers us an informative account of Gunn's life and the ways in which it has shaped his work, along with summaries and analyses of his most important stories and novels; Page also notes the ways in which Gunn directly affected the genre and some of its most important writers. Saving the World Through Science Fiction is an essential guide to anyone interested in the history of science fiction and paints a fine portrait of a man whose influence deserves to be much more widely known."-Pamela Sargent, Pilgrim Award-winning editor of the Women of Wonder anthologies.More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
484 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4766-6309-8 (9781476663098)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Michael R. Page is a lecturer in the English department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword: "Science Fiction's Dad"
Christopher McKitterick
Preface
One. James Gunn: A Life in Science Fiction
Two. Early Stories to This Fortress World and Star Bridge
Three. The Joy Makers to The Burning
Four. The Listeners to Crisis!
Five. The Joy Machine to the Transcendental Trilogy
Six. The Scholarship
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments
Foreword: "Science Fiction's Dad"
Christopher McKitterick
Preface
One. James Gunn: A Life in Science Fiction
Two. Early Stories to This Fortress World and Star Bridge
Three. The Joy Makers to The Burning
Four. The Listeners to Crisis!
Five. The Joy Machine to the Transcendental Trilogy
Six. The Scholarship
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index