Science Fiction: A Guide for the Perplexed

Sherryl Vint is Professor of Science Fiction Media Studies at the University of California, Riverside, USA. She is editor of the journals Science Fiction Studies and Science Fiction Film and Television and Vice-President of the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts. Her previous publications include Beyond Cyberpunk (2010) and, as co-editor, The Routledge Companion to Science Fiction (2009).

Sherryl Vint is one of the sharpest science fiction critics of her generation. This is a taut, rigorous and very readable introduction to thinking historically, formally and theoretically about a genre that has steadily gained in prominence across all kinds of media over the last century. This is a fantastic start for those encountering science fiction for the first time, because it provides a tool-kit of critical resources to help formulate responses to a dynamic and exciting genre. Highly recommended. Roger Luckhurst, Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK Vint does a brilliant job of integrating important critical concepts into this sophisticated and highly readable introduction to the field of science fiction. From Suvin's "cognitive estrangement," to Luckhurst's "technologically saturated" society, the SF megatext, and science fiction as a literature of ideas, Vint offers a view of where the genre is going and why it matters that is both persuasive and empowering. Michael Levy, Chair of English, University of Wisconsin-Stout, USA Sherryl Vint's fascinating survey of the range and variety of science fiction is full of detailed, insightful readings of important texts from the genre's early days to now. This beautifully written and admirably conceived book makes wonderful reading for newcomers to the genre and old hands alike. John Rieder, Professor of English, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, USA A friendly, intelligent and comprehensive introduction to the aesthetics and development of science fiction. I look forward to using it in my classes. Nalo Hopkinson, Winner of the John W. Campbell Award, Professor of Creative Writing, University of California Riverside, USA Scarcely a month seems to go by without yet another handbook or guide to science fiction being published. Sherryl Vint's new volume, however, works on a strikingly different level from most of these publications. -- David Seed, University of Liverpool Foundation My initial thought upon finishing Sherryl Vint's primer for perplexed would-be aficionados of science fiction was, 'Well. I'm never going to teach an introduction to science fiction class again without assigning this.' ... Vint has managed to pack the majority of relevant sf themes into a readable book that conveys nimble research, credible tone, and a gracious voice that surely will put the perplexed at ease while gathering novitiates into the host. -- Grace L. Dillon, Portland State University Science Fiction Studies

• 1. Introduction \ 2. Technologically Saturated Societies \ 3. Cognitive Estrangement \ 4. Megatext \ 5. Speculative Fiction \ 6. Culture/Community \ 7. Politics \ 8. Literature of Change \ 9. Conclusion \ Further Reading \ Index.