Science Fiction, New Space Opera, and Neoliberal Globalism
Nostalgia for Infinity
Published on 15. November 2016
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-1-78316-944-3 (ISBN)
Description
One of the few points critics and readers can agree upon when discussing the fiction popularly known as New Space Opera - a recent subgenre movement of science fiction - is its canny engagement with contemporary cultural politics in the age of globalisation. This book avers that the complex political allegories of New Space Opera respond to the recent cultural phenomenon known as neoliberalism, which entails the championing of the deregulation and privatisation of social services and programmes in the service of global free-market expansion. Providing close readings of the evolving New Space Opera canon and cultural histories and theoretical contexts of neoliberalism as a regnant ideology of our times, this book conceptualises a means to appreciate this thriving movement of popular literature.
Reviews / Votes
'This first book-length study of the "Space Opera Renaissance" in contemporary SF is a superb contribution to the field. Deeply researched, with an impressive command of cutting-edge theories of globalisation and cosmopolitanism, Winter's book offers incisive critical analyses of a wide range of American, British and Caribbean space operas, focusing on issues of race, gender, class and neo/postcolonialism. Winter's readings are unfailingly exciting, conveying both the genre's galaxy-spanning "sense of wonder" and its potent engagement with crucial issues of political and social moment.' - Professor Rob Latham, Editor of The Oxford Handbook of Science Fiction; 'An important intervention in our understanding of science fiction in the context of globalisation and popular culture, Science Fiction, New Space Opera and Neoliberal Globalism offers a provocative framework for thinking through the interpenetration of colonial ideology and popular culture through the lens of transnational postcolonial theory. An essential read for those interested in the history and futures of SF.' - Professor Sherryl Vint, University of California RiversideMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Wales
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78316-944-3 (9781783169443)
DOI
10.1234/b10553
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
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2016
1st Edition
University of Wales Press
€31.49
Available for download
E-Book
11/2016
1st Edition
University of Wales Press
€30.49
Available for download
Person
Jerome Winter completed his PhD in English at the University of California, Riverside, where he currently lectures. His work focuses on the intersection of globalisation and contemporary speculative fiction, and he has served as editor of Speculative Fiction for the Los Angeles Review of Books and contributed a chapter on SF art and illustration to the Oxford Handbook of Science Fiction (2014).
Content
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1The Neoliberal Masters of the Universe: The Origin of New Space Opera in Samuel R. Delany and M. John Harrison Chapter 2 'Moments in the Fall': Neoliberal Globalism and Utopian Socialist Desire in Ken MacLeod's 'Fall Revolution' Quartet and Iain M. Banks's 'Culture' Series Chapter 3Global Feminism and Neoliberal Crisis in Gwyneth Jones's 'Aleutian Trilogy' Chapter 4'Archipelagoes of Stars': Caribbean Cosmopolitics in Postcolonial SF Works Cited