Contemporary Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Contemporary Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Robert Eaglestone

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2013-07-25

Total Pages: 137

ISBN-13: 0199609268

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In this Very Short Introduction, Robert Eaglestone provides a clear and engaging exploration of the major themes, patterns, and debates of contemporary fiction.


Science Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Science Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Author: David Seed

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2011-06-23

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 0199557454

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David Seed examines how science fiction has emerged as a popular genre of literature in the 20th century, and discusses it in relation to themes such as science and technology, space, aliens, utopias, and gender. Looking at some of the most influential writers of the genre he also considers the wider social and political issues it raises.


Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introduction

Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Julian Stallabrass

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2006-03-23

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 0192806467

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"Bloodied toy soldiers, gilded shopping carts, and Lego concentration camps. Contemporary art is supposed to be a realm of freedom where artists shock, break taboos, and switch between confronting viewers with works of great profundity and jaw-dropping triviality. But away from shock tactics in the gallery, there are many unanswered questions. What is contemporary about contemporary art? What effect do politics and big business have on art? And who really runs the art world?" "Previously published as Art Incorporated, this controversial and witty Very Short Introduction is an exploration of the global art scene that will change the way you see contemporary art."--BOOK JACKET.


The Short Story: a Very Short Introduction

The Short Story: a Very Short Introduction

Author: Andrew Kahn

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022-01-08

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 0198754639

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Drawing on examples from across the globe and throughout history, Andrew Kahn explores the key characteristics of the short story. He shows how its rise was intertwined with international print culture, and discusses the essential techniques within this thriving literary genre, as well as the ways in which it is constantly innovated, even today.


Modern Latin American Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Modern Latin American Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Roberto Gonzalez Echevarria

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-01-13

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 0199912963

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This Very Short Introduction chronicles the trends and traditions of modern Latin American literature, arguing that Latin American literature developed as a continent-wide phenomenon, not just an assemblage of national literatures, in moments of political crisis. With the Spanish American War came Modernismo, the end of World War I and the Mexican Revolution produced the avant-garde, and the Cuban Revolution sparked a movement in the novel that came to be known as the Boom. Within this narrative, the author covers all of the major writers of Latin American literature, from Andr?s Bello and Jos? Mar?a de Heredia, through Borges and Garc?a M?rquez, to Fernando Vallejo and Roberto Bola?o.


Crime Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Crime Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Richard Bradford

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2015-05-28

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 0191642703

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Crime fiction has been one of the most popular genres since the 19th century, but has roots in works as varied as Sophocles, Herodotus, and Shakespeare. In this Very Short Introduction Richard Bradford explores the history of the genre, by considering the various definitions of 'crime fiction' and looking at how it has developed over time. Discussing the popularity of crime fiction worldwide and its various styles; the role that gender plays within the genre; spy fiction, and legal dramas and thrillers; he explores how the crime novel was shaped by the work of British and American authors in the 18th and 19th centuries. Highlighting the works of notorious authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Raymond Chandler — to name but a few — he considers the role of the crime novel in modern popular culture and asks whether we can, and whether we should, consider crime fiction serious 'literature'. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Horror

Horror

Author: Darryl Jones

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 0198755562

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Fear is one of the most primal emotions, and one of the hardest to reason with and dispel. So why do we scare ourselves? Delving into the darkest corners of horror literature, films, and plays, Darryl Jones explores its monsters and its psychological chills, discussing why horror stories disturb us, and how they reflect society's taboos.


Children's Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Children's Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Kimberley Reynolds

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2011-10-06

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 0199560242

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In this lively discussion Kim Reynolds looks at what children's literature is, why it is interesting, how it contributes to culture, and how it is studied as literature. Providing examples from across history and various types of children's literature, she introduces the key debates, developments, and people involved.


Bestsellers

Bestsellers

Author: John Sutherland

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 127

ISBN-13: 9780191776960

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For the last century, the tastes and preferences of readers of fiction have been reflected in the American and British bestseller lists. John Sutherland takes an engaging look through the lists to reveal what we have been reading - and why.


The Very Short Introductions Blog Book

The Very Short Introductions Blog Book

Author: Oxford University Press

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2014-09-01

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 0191056243

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In this free Very Short Introductions Blog Book we’ve gathered 30 of our VSI authors’ very best blog posts on topics including history, politics, science, and more. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the passion, insight, and great writing that characterizes these authors and the Very Short Introductions series.