Includes plot summaries and detailed descriptions of 194 works of science fiction from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The antecedents of fantasy literature extend back to the very beginnings of storytelling itself, but modern fantasy became recognizable as a distinct literary form only in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with the publication of the novels of William Morris and the short stories of Lord Dunsany. The emphasis by these writers and their successors on ideal and sometimes less than ideal places and peoples who exist only in a realm of pure imagination laid the foundation for later works by J. R. R. Tolkien and many others. Book jacket.

There's a strong interest in reading for pleasure or self-improvement in America, as shown by the popularity of Harry Potter, and book clubs, including Oprah Winfrey's. Although recent government reports show a decline in recreational reading, the same reports show a strong correlation between interest in reading and academic acheivement. This set provides a snapshot of the current state of popular American literature, including various types and genres. The volume presents alphabetically arranged entries on more than 70 diverse literary categories, such as cyberpunk, fantasy literature, flash fiction, GLBTQ literature, graphic novels, manga and anime, and zines. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and provides a definition of the genre, an overview of its history, a look at trends and themes, a discussion of how the literary form engages contemporary issues, a review of the genre's reception, a discussion of authors and works, and suggestions for further reading. Sidebars provide fascinating details, and the set closes with a selected, general bibliography. Reading in America for pleasure and knowledge continues to be popular, even while other media compete for attention. While students continue to read many of the standard classics, new genres have emerged. These have captured the attention of general readers and are also playing a critical role in the language arts classroom. This book maps the state of popular literature and reading in America today, including the growth of new genres, such as cyberpunk, zines, flash fiction, GLBTQ literature, and other topics. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and provides a definition of the genre, an overview of its history, a look at trends and themes, a discussion of how the literary form engages contemporary issues, a review of the genre's critical reception, a discussion of authors and works, and suggestions for further reading. Sidebars provide fascinating details, and the set closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students will find this book a valuable guide to what they're reading today and will appreciate its illumination of popular culture and contemporary social issues.

Classical Traditions in Modern Fantasy presents fifteen all-new essays on how fantasy draws on ancient Greek and Roman mythology, philosophy, literature, history, art, and cult practice. Ranging from harpies to hobbits, from Cyclopes to Cthulhu, the comparative study of Classics and fantasy reveals deep similarities between ancient and modern ways of imagining the world.

The antiquarian's reference to old books features thousands of listings, including hundreds of new titles, a new Internet buying guide, a complete glossary of book-collecting terms, research resources, information on dealers, and advice on buying, selling, and maintaining fragile acquisitions. Original.

For all its concern with change in the present and future, science fiction is deeply rooted in the past and, surprisingly, engages especially deeply with the ancient world. Indeed, both as an area in which the meaning of "classics" is actively transformed and as an open-ended set of texts whose own 'classic' status is a matter of ongoing debate, science fiction reveals much about the roles played by ancient classics in modern times. Classical Traditions in Science Fiction is the first collection in English dedicated to the study of science fiction as a site of classical receptions, offering a much-needed mapping of that important cultural and intellectual terrain. This volume discusses a wide variety of representative examples from both classical antiquity and the past four hundred years of science fiction, beginning with science fiction's "rosy-fingered dawn" and moving toward the other-worldly literature of the present day. As it makes its way through the eras of science fiction, Classical Traditions in Science Fiction exposes the many levels on which science fiction engages the ideas of the ancient world, from minute matters of language and structure to the larger thematic and philosophical concerns.

"The Classic Collection of Fantasy" is a comprehensive anthology featuring 45 novels, stories, and poems from the realm of fantasy literature. This illustrious collection includes iconic works such as "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis, "Conan the Barbarian" by Robert E. Howard, "The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald, and many more. Readers will be transported to fantastical realms filled with epic quests, mythical creatures, and magical adventures as they journey through the pages of this anthology. From the sweeping landscapes of Middle-earth to the enchanted land of Narnia, each story offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the boundless imagination of the fantasy genre. Illustrated with enchanting artwork that brings the fantastical worlds and characters to life, this collection is a treasure trove for fans of fantasy literature. Whether rediscovering beloved classics or diving into new and exciting tales, readers of all ages will find themselves enthralled by the timeless magic and wonder of "The Classic Collection of Fantasy." Contents: J. R. R. Tolkien • The Hobbit • The Fellowship of the Ring • The Two Towers • The Return of the King • The Adventures of Tom Bombadil C. S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe • Prince Caspian • The Voyage of the ‘Dawn Treader’ • The Silver Chair • The Horse and His Boy • The Magician’s Nephew • The Last Battle William Morris • The Wood Beyond the World • The Story of the Volsungs James Branch Cabell Jurgen A Comedy of Justice Robert E. Howard Conan the Barbarian • The Phoenix on the Sword • The Scarlet Citadel • The Tower of the Elephant • Black Colossus • The Slithering Shadow • The Pool of the Black One • Rogues in the House George MacDonald The Princess and the Goblin Lewis Carroll Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Charles Kingsley The Water-Babies Lord Dunsany • The King of Elfland's Daughter • The Gods of Pegāna • The Book of Wonder