The Science Fiction Mythmakers
Religion, Science and Philosophy in Wells, Clarke, Dick and Herbert
Published on 13. September 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-1-4766-6809-3 (ISBN)
Description
A literary genre that pervades 21st-century popular culture, science fiction creates mythologies that make statements about humanity's place in the universe and embody an intersection of science, religion and philosophy.
This book considers the significance of this confluence through an examination of myths in the writings of H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick and Frank Herbert. Presenting fresh insights into their works, the author brings to light the tendency of science fiction narratives to reaffirm spiritual myths.
This book considers the significance of this confluence through an examination of myths in the writings of H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick and Frank Herbert. Presenting fresh insights into their works, the author brings to light the tendency of science fiction narratives to reaffirm spiritual myths.
Reviews / Votes
"Simkins compares four noted science fiction authors and the use of creation and messiah mythologies in their work...heavily annotated with footnotes...sure to be enjoyed"-SFRevu Review; "An exceptionally clear and penetrating study of the historically nuanced relationship between sf and the "discordant philosophies" of science, religion, and social theory."-Van Ikin, University of Western Australia.More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
336 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4766-6809-3 (9781476668093)
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
Jennifer Simkins is an English teacher in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments deleteix
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1. Evolution, Morality and Religion in H. G. Wells
Chapter 2. Materialism and Mystery: Mixed Myths
in Arthur C. Clarke
Chapter 3. Science Fiction as Truth: Sociology, Philosophy and Theology in Philip K. Dick
Chapter 4. Resisting Tradition: The Messiah Myth and Authentic Dasein in Frank Herbert's Dune Series
Conclusion
Chapter Notes
Works Cited
Index
Acknowledgments deleteix
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1. Evolution, Morality and Religion in H. G. Wells
Chapter 2. Materialism and Mystery: Mixed Myths
in Arthur C. Clarke
Chapter 3. Science Fiction as Truth: Sociology, Philosophy and Theology in Philip K. Dick
Chapter 4. Resisting Tradition: The Messiah Myth and Authentic Dasein in Frank Herbert's Dune Series
Conclusion
Chapter Notes
Works Cited
Index