J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard and the Birth of Modern Fantasy (Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy, 47) - Softcover

Parsons, Deke

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786495375 ISBN 13: 9780786495375

Publisher: McFarland & Company, 2014

Synopsis

The birth of modern fantasy in 1930s Britain and America saw the development of new literary and film genres. J.R.R. Tolkien created modern fantasy with The Lord of the Rings, set in a fictional world based upon his life in the early 20th century British Empire, and his love of language and medieval literature. In small-town Texas, Robert E. Howard pounded out his own fantasy realm in his Conan stories, published serially in the ephemeral pulp magazines he loved. Jerry Siegel created Superman with Joe Shuster, and laid the foundation for perhaps the post far-reaching fantasy worlds: the universe of DC and Marvel comics. The work of extraordinary people who lived in an extraordinary decade, this modern fantasy canon still provides source material for the most successful literary and film franchises of the 21st century. Modern fantasy speaks to the human experience and still shows its origins from the lives and times of its creators.

About this title

About the Author

Deke Parsons has a Ph.D. in English, specializing in 20th century British literature and in film, from Claremont Graduate University. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Review

"Elegant and thought provoking...recommended for readers interested in the fantasy genre, as well as those who wish to learn more about literary criticism and pop culture"--Library Journal; "a very enjoyable read...recommend"--SFRevu; "fascinating"--Beyond Bree.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0786495375
• ISBN 13: 9780786495375
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 200
• Editor: Palumbo Donald E., Sullivan III C.W.