The Enduring Fantastic
The Enduring Fantastic

Author: Anna Höglund

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2021-06-09

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 1476642788

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Fantastic fiction is traditionally understood as Western genre literature such as fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Expanding on this understanding, these essays explore how the fantastic has been used in Western societies since the Middle Ages as a tool for organizing and materializing abstractions in order to make sense of the present social order. Disciplines represented here include literature studies, gender studies, biology, ethnology, archeology, history, religion, game studies, cultural sociology, and film studies. Individual essays cover topics such as the fantastic creatures of medieval chronicle, mummy medicine in eighteenth-century Sweden, how fears of disease filtered through the universal and adaptable vampire, the gender aspects of goddess worship in the secular West, ecocentrism in fantasy fiction, how videogames are dealing with the remediation of heritage, and more.

The Phoenix Unchained
The Phoenix Unchained

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: Tor Books

Published: 2007-10-16

Total Pages: 399

ISBN-13: 1429921900

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory teamed up to write The Obsidian Trilogy, set in a wondrous world filled with magical beings, competing magic systems, and a titanic struggle between good and evil. That world proved so popular with the creators and readers alike that Lackey and Mallory have returned to it with The Phoenix Unchained, Book One of The Enduring Flame, the opening volume of a new epic fantasy trilogy. After a thousand years of peace, much Magick has faded from the world. The Elves live far from humankind. There are no High Mages, and Wild Mages are seen only rarely. Bisochim, a powerful Wild Mage, is determined to reintroduce Darkness to the world, believing that it is out of Balance. Tiercel, a young Armethalian nobleman, is convinced that High Magic is not just philosophy. He attempts a spell—and draws the unwelcome attention of Bisochim. Tiercel survives Bisochim's attack and begins trying to turn himself into a High Mage. Next in line to be Harbormaster of Armethalieh, Harrier instead finds himself regularly saving Tyr's life and meeting magickal people and creatures. To Harrier's dismay, it seems that he must become a hero. In The Phoenix Unchained, Harrier and Tiercel begin a marvelous journey to uncover their destinies. Along the way, they meet a charming female centaur, several snooty Elves, and the most powerful dragon their world has ever known. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Phoenix Transformed
The Phoenix Transformed

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: Macmillan

Published: 2010-08-03

Total Pages: 804

ISBN-13: 9780765355089

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With more than one twist in the telling, centering on a magic-plagued journey across a blistering desert, "The Phoenix Transformed" is the stunning conclusion to The Enduring Flame series.

Fantastic Creatures in Mythology and Folklore
Fantastic Creatures in Mythology and Folklore

Author: Juliette Wood

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2018-08-23

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1441166769

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Drawing on historical sources, myth and folklore, Fantastic Creatures in Mythology and Folklore explores the roles of fantastical beasts - particularly the unicorn, the mermaid, and the dragon - in a series of thematic chapters organised according to their legendary dwelling place, be this land, sea, or air. Through this original approach, Juliette Wood provides the first study of mythical beasts in history from the medieval period to the present day, providing new insights into the ways these creatures continue to define our constantly changing relationship to both real and imagined worlds. It places particular emphasis on the role of the internet, computer games, and the cyberspace community, and in doing so, demonstrates that the core medieval myth surrounding these creatures remains static within the ever-increasing arena of mass marketing and the internet. This is a vital resource for undergraduates studying fantastic creatures in history, literature and media studies.

Fantastic Transmedia
Fantastic Transmedia

Author: C. Harvey

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-05-26

Total Pages: 333

ISBN-13: 1137306041

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Contemporary culture is packed with fantasy and science fiction storyworlds extending across multiple media platforms. This book explores the myriad ways in which imaginary worlds use media like films, novels, videogames, comic books, toys and increasingly user-generated content to captivate and energise contemporary audiences.

An Introduction to Fantasy
An Introduction to Fantasy

Author: Matthew Sangster

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2023-09-30

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 1009429914

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A vibrant introduction to Fantasy that explores its uses, processes, traditions, manifestations across media, stakeholders and communities.

“Curious, if True”
“Curious, if True”

Author: Amy Bright

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2012-11-30

Total Pages: 285

ISBN-13: 1443843431

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The fantastic has occupied the literary imagination of readers and scholars across historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts. Representations of the fantastic in literature rely on formal and generic types, tropes, and archetypes to mediate between depictions of “fantasy” and “reality.” Present in myth and folklore, the gothic and neo-gothic, and contemporary and mainstream fantasy, the fantastic reach stretches into many conceptions of literature over time. “Curious, if True”: The Fantastic in Literature presents recent articles by graduate students on the fantastic and makes connections across category, genre, and historical periods. Fantasy is used as an organizing topic, a genre that has always allowed for a broad interpretation of its meaning. From magic realism, to high fantasy, sci-fi to the Gothic, this collection furthers the reach of fantasy in the study of English literature. The authors value tradition in their reading and their writing but are not afraid to reach across genre borders to show their understanding of “the fantastical in literature.” The ideas presented span years and literary periods, texts and genres, and show the undeniable value of interdisciplinary study to expand perspectives in the field of English.

Fantasy Literature
Fantasy Literature

Author: Mark A. Fabrizi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-10-11

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 946300758X

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Fantasy literature, often derided as superficial and escapist, is one of the most popular and enduring genres of fiction worldwide. It is also—perhaps surprisingly—thought-provoking, structurally complex, and relevant to contemporary society, as the essays in this volume attest. The scholars, teachers, and authors represented here offer their perspectives on this engaging genre. Within these pages, a reader will find a wealth of ideas to help teachers use these texts in the classroom, challenging students to read fantasy with a critical eye. They employ interdisciplinary, philosophical, and religious lenses, as well as Marxist and feminist critical theory, to help students unlock texts. The books discussed include epic fantasy by such authors as Tolkien and Le Guin, children’s fantasy by Beatrix Potter and Saint-Exupéry, modern fantasy by Rowling and Martin, and even fairy tales and comic books. The contributors offer provocations, questioning the texts and pushing the boundaries of meaning within the fantasy genre. And in doing so, they challenge readers themselves to ponder these tales more deeply. But through each of these chapters runs a profound love of the genre and a respect for those who produce such beautiful and moving stories. Furthermore, as with all the books in this series, this volume is informed by the tenets of critical pedagogy, and is focused on re-envisioning fantasy literature through the lens of social justice and empowerment. Prepare to be challenged and inspired as you read these explorations of a much-loved genre.

The Lesbian Fantastic
The Lesbian Fantastic

Author: Phyllis M. Betz

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2014-01-10

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 0786486147

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Science fiction has long been a haven for lesbian writers, allowing them to use the genre to discuss their marginalized status. This critical work examines how lesbian authors have used the structures and conventions of science fiction to embody characters, relationships and other themes that relate to their experience as the quintessential Other in the broader culture. Topics include lesbian gothic, fantasy, science fiction, mixed genre texts and historical background for the works discussed. A vital addition to the scholarship on homosexuality and culture.