Saving the World Through Science Fiction

Michael R. Page is a lecturer in the English department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“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.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsForeword: “Science Fiction’s Dad” Christopher McKitterickPrefaceOne. James Gunn: A Life in Science FictionTwo. Early Stories to This Fortress World and Star BridgeThree. The Joy Makers to The BurningFour. The Listeners to Crisis!Five. The Joy Machine to the Transcendental TrilogySix. The ScholarshipChapter NotesBibliographyIndex