In the Image of God: Theme, Characterization, and Landscape in the Fiction of Orson Scott Card (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy) - Hardcover

Collings, Michael R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 031326404X ISBN 13: 9780313264047

Publisher: Praeger Pub Text, 1990

Synopsis

Professor Collings' absorbing study is the first full-length treatment of Orson Scott Card, the only writer thus far to receive the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards two years in a row. The author examines the unique vision and literary achievements of this writer, a consummate storyteller who uses the medium of science fiction and fantasy to give shape to his deepest religious beliefs and moral convictions.

Collings begins with an overview of Card's personal history, including his Mormon background, and suggests some guidelines for approaching the writer's work. The chapters that follow look at Card's exploration of spiritual themes in the context of alien worlds and landscapes. Among the subjects woven into his narratives are the future Christ as potential savior or destroyer, the archetype of the hero, immortality, and the realization of the kingdom of God. His major novels, including Seventh Son, Songmaster, and Wyrms , are discussed, together with many of his short stories and his critical articles, poetry, and plays. Orson Scott Card, who has been compared to C. S. Lewis, brings a depth of moral and spiritual insight to his fiction that is unusual among writers currently working in the science fiction/fantasy genre. This sensitive introduction to his work will be appreciated by scholars, students, and general readers with a specific interest in the genre or in contemporary literature, literature and religion, or epic and heroic narrative.

About this title

Book Description

A prolific contempory science fiction/fantasy writer and two-time winner of the prestigious Nebula and Hugo awards, Orson Scott Card is noted for his explorations of religious and moral themes in the context of alien worlds and landscapes. Collings' book is the first full-length study of Card's novels, short stories, and other writings.

About the Author

MICHAEL R. COLLINGS is Professor of English and Director of the Creative Writing Program at Pepperdine University. His publications include studies of Stephen King, Brian W. Aldiss, and Piers Anthony, together with poetry collections and numerous articles and contributed chapters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 031326404X
• ISBN 13: 9780313264047
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208