Items related to Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Synopsis
Traces the history of the mad scientist character in novels, films, and popular culture, and describes how this figure reflects anxieties about scientific and technological change
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
The words "mad scientist" inevitably summon up the picture of a deranged, obsessive individual with a lab coat and bad hair, working on some grandiose project that probably means trouble for humanity at large. Behind this cartoonish figure, however, lurks a complex series of ideas, emotions, stereotypes, and archetypes. In Screams of Reason: Mad Science and Modern Culture, David J. Skal investigates the whole issue of "our multilevel cultural waltz with the maniac in the lab coat" over the last two centuries.
The first few chapters focus on the origins of the mad-science mentality in the early 19th century. The age of Darwin and the Industrial Revolution saw the birth of many of the stock figures and themes of horror and science fiction: Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde, Dr. Moreau; creation of new life forms, contravention of natural law, science out of control. Then, in the early 20th century, the new medium of film helped make all of these into staples of popular culture. Succeeding chapters deal with types and trends in the mad-science phenomenon, touching on a variety of subjects, such as the classic horror movies of the 1930s, nuclear-age mutation and invasion fantasies, medical horror, the union of man and machine, apocalyptic entertainment, and "Alien Chic."
Movies certainly play a significant role in the whole mad-science phenomenon; Screams, however, is much more than a catalog of the classic horror and sci-fi entries. Skal's insightful, eloquent history gets at the psychological and social roots of our uneasy relationship with science and technology, and our attempts to master the fear of them.
Screams includes abundant notes, many black-and-white illustrations, and an appendix listing dozens of mad scientists from popular culture. Highly recommended. --M.V. Burke
About the Author
David J. Skal is a leading historian of horror and monsters in film and popular culture. He is a frequent talk-show guest and has appeared on Charlie Rose, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and Fresh Air. He lives in West Hollywood, California.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherW W Norton & Co Inc
- Publication date1998
- ISBN 10 039304582X
- ISBN 13 9780393045826
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Edition number1
- Number of pages368
- Rating
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller: Zoom Books East, Glendale Heights, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. Book is in acceptable condition and shows signs of wear. Book may also include underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.039304582X.A
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller: Zoom Books East, Glendale Heights, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.039304582X.G
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science and Modern Culture
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.9. Seller Inventory # G039304582XI4N00
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller: Goodwill Books, Hillsboro, OR, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Acceptable. Fairly worn, but readable and intact. If applicable: Dust jacket, disc or access code may not be included. Seller Inventory # 3IIT4T000PCW_ns
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller: HPB Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_429327316
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller: HPB-Emerald, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_433506111
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Published by
W W Norton & Co Inc, 1998
ISBN 10: 039304582X
ISBN 13: 9780393045826
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Lakeside Bookshop, Bradford, NH, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Hard cover in good condition with a dust jacket in good condition. We are a family operated brick and mortar book store in operation since 1992. From dust jacket, "from Frankenstein to Jurassic Park, the mad scientist in his restless quest for world domination and godlike dominion is one of the modern world's most instantly recognizable, yet least understood, icons.". Seller Inventory # ABE-1733616056510
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science and Modern Culture
Seller: Eureka Books, Eureka, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First edition (first printing). A very good copy in a very good dust jacket. Inscribed to former owner with signature from author. In "Screams of Reason," David J. Skal explores our perennial fascination with demented doctors, crazed clinicians, and technology-obsessed fiends. From 19th-century Romantic literature to Dr. Strangelove and Hannibal Lecter, the mad scientist proves himself to be a figure of myriad masks and guises -- a far more interesting archetype than the nerd-run-amok of B-movies would indicate. "Screams of Reason" is an exploration of the prop-laden laboratories of '30s Hollywood, the mad-science mystique that colors the cult of the computer, the pseudo-science folklore of UFO abductions, and the demonization of doctors and medicine in the brave new world of HMOs and managed care. Seller Inventory # 374195
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Published by
W W Norton & Co, New york, 1998
ISBN 10: 039304582X
ISBN 13: 9780393045826
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Edmonton Book Store, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: very good. Dust Jacket Condition: very good. 8vo pp.368. book. Seller Inventory # 317391
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Screams of Reason: Mad Science in Modern Culture
Seller: Grumpys Fine Books, Tijeras, NM, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. Prompt service guaranteed. Seller Inventory # Clean039304582X
Quantity: 1 available