Moine

2006 · réf. 053197 — Lanham MD: Scarecrow Press 2006. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Soft cover. Good. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. Minor edge and corner wear; lightly scuffed and scratched; spine is gently creased; some light shelf wear; ex-library with the usual library markings; overall a nice used copy! Color illustrated wrapper with black and white lettering. 387 historical and informative pages! "From the early days of pulp magazines to contemporary works of science fiction the subject of the alien has been a fertile and enduring if not also the most vital element of the genre. In Alien Theory author Patricia Monk asserts that the creation of the alien in short fiction contributes substantially to humanity's understanding of its present status and future potential in the universe. By employing a Jungian and archetypal approach to these stories Monk attempts to direct the attention of readers to the significance of the vast body of imaginative fiction about the alien arguing that studying the alien will reveal why this archetype is necessary in the development of humanity's understanding of its own intrinsic nature as a sapient being. When a science fiction writer writes about aliens Monk asserts he or she is saying something that can and should be taken seriously by readers. Furthermore it is being expressed in a particular story-telling mode that deserves to be treated with respect. By discussing the creation of the form of the science-fictional alien its psyche and the context in which aliens and humans interact Monk brings into focus a topic that has not been given the rightful discussion it deserves. In addition to examining the alien in the science fiction short story novella and novelette Monk evaluates its role in pre-postmodernist and postmodernist criticism and theory. The author also draws on relevant writings by editors writers and fans including editorial letter columns and reviews to place the stories in the context of science fiction. By drawing on all of these sources Alien Theory brings into focus a topic that will be of interest not only to academics and students but also to the general reader. Scarecrow Press paperback