Synopses & Reviews
At the close of the nineteenth century, American youths developed a growing interest in technology. Once publishers and authors recognized this interest, they sought to create reading material to fill this market need. The result was science fiction for young adults, which bore certain similarities to science fiction for mature readers and at the same time explored themes of special interest to adolescents. This volume includes chapters by expert contributors on young adult science fiction in various countries and on topics central to the genre. The first part of the book surveys the history of science fiction for young adults both in the U.S. and in other places, such as Canada, Great Britain, Germany, and Australia. In the second section, chapters look at such topics as science fiction novels as coming-of-age stories, the portrayal of women in Robert Heinlein's works, representations of war in science fiction, and the importance of science fiction to film and comic books. Extensive bibliographies conclude the volume.
Synopsis
Expert contributors examine young adult science fiction in various countries and discuss special topics related to science fiction for young adults.
Synopsis
At the close of the nineteenth century, American youths developed a growing interest in electricity and its applications, machines, and gadgetry. When authors and publishers recognized the extent of this interest in technology, they sought to create reading materials that would meet this market need. The result was science fiction written especially for young adults. While critics tended to neglect young adult science fiction for decades, they gradually came to recognize its practical and cultural value. Science fiction inspired many young adults to study science and engineering and helped foster technological innovation. At the same time, these works also explored cultural and social concerns more commonly associated with serious literature. Nor was young adult science fiction a peculiarly American phenomenon: authors in other countries likewise wrote science fiction for young adult readers. This book examines young adult science fiction in the U.S. and several other countries and explores issues central to the genre.
The first part of the book treats the larger contexts of young adult science fiction and includes chapters on its history and development. Included are discussions of science fiction for young adults in the U.S. and in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, and Australia. These chapters are written by expert contributors and chart the history of young adult science fiction from the nineteenth century to the present. The second section of the book considers topics of special interest to young adult science fiction. Some of the chapters look at particular forms and expressions of science fiction, such as films and comic books. Others treat particular topics, such as the portrayal of women in Robert Heinlein's works and representations of war in young adult science fiction. Yet another chapter studies the young adult science fiction novel as a coming-of-age story and thus helps distinguish the genre from science fiction written for adult readers. All chapters reflect current research, and the volume concludes with extensive bibliographies.
Synopsis
Expert contributors examine young adult science fiction in various countries and discuss special topics related to science fict
About the Author
C.W. SULLIVAN III is Professor of English at East Carolina University.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
History and Criticism
Technological Fiction for Youth: 1900-1940 by Francis J. Molson
American Y.A. Science Fiction Since 1947 by C.W. Sullivan III
Young Adult Science in Canada by Greer Watson
The Janus Perspective: Science Fiction and the Young Adult Reader in Britain by K.V. Bailey and Andy Sawyer
German Science Fiction for Young Adults by Franz Rottensteiner
Australian Science Fiction for Children and Adolescents by John Foster
Topical Approaches
The Young Adult Science Fiction Novel as Bildungsroman by Michael M. Levy
Women in Heinlein's Juveniles by Marietta A. Frank
Young Adults, Science Fiction, and War by Martha Bartter
No Grownups, Please: A Study of the American Science Fiction Film by James Craig Holte
Science Fiction in Comic Books: Science Fiction Colonizes a Fantasy Medium by Donald Palumbo
Bibliography
History and Criticism by Michael M. Levy