As If: Modern Enchantment and the Literary PreHistory of Virtual Reality
"Mr. Saler counterpunches vigorously against the whole edifice of literary snobbery... His book should be essential reading in every graduate school of the humanities. But it's much more fun than that recommendation suggests." -- Tom Shippey, The Wall Street Journal"This brilliant if sometimes densely written book... reminds us that, through real play in imaginary gardens, we can enhance the lives we lead in this alienated modern world." -- Michael Dirda,Washington Post"Riveting stuff...Open[s] up a new vision not just of the literature of the fantastic, but of us as well." --Rick Kleffel, Bookotron.com"An insightful and entertaining analysis of modern enchantment, specifically on the topic of fictional worlds that took on lives of their own.... This wonderfully enlightening and terrifically well-written book... makes the philosophical point that the practice of indulging in fictional worlds 'as if' they were real is not a mere act of escapism but also the consideration of the ever-changing, contingent, and subjective nature of the 'real' world that constantly eludes the attempt to describe it as 'just so.'" --American Historical Review"As Ifconvincingly illustrates how the terrors of the Cthulhu mythos and the magic of Middle Earth does not simply foster a solipsistic retreat from the real world but rather makes us reflect on it anew. Saler's innovative study offers us suggestive ways in which to develop a historicized approach to the modern popular imagination. At its best, this book is a boldly stated appeal to recognize the positive functions and value of fantasy in a century that is too often associated with the darker imaginings of war, genocide, and ideological extremism." --Journal of British Studies"This is the best cultural study of fantasy I have ever read. A powerful, liberating argument, woven together from an impressive array of sources, all treated well and fairly. Saler routs the assumption that enchantment and reason oppose one another." --Edward Castronova, author ofSynthetic Worlds:The Business and Culture of Online Games"If modernity can be called an 'iron cage,' as it was by Max Weber, the para-modernity explored by Michael Saler is an Escher staircase. Composed of oxymoronic juxtapositions--animistic reason, detached immersion, ironic faith, and enchanted disenchantment--it transports us nowhere, but the journey is filled with such wonders that we keep moving along.As Ifis itself a triumph of imagination and wit, as well as an exemplary exercise in cultural history." --Martin Jay, author ofSongs of Experience: Modern American and European Variations on a Universal Theme"Michael Saler's dazzling book adds a new historical dimension to our understanding of imaginary worlds and literature; throughAs Ifa surprising illumination of our modernity becomes possible." --Simon During, author ofModern Enchantments: The Cultural Power of Secular Magic"Saler's book uncovers and identifies precursors to the shared imaginary worlds of our time. His argument is clear, his examples entertaining; the cumulative effect is startling and ultimately very useful, in that we are given a new and positive way to understand not only several currently emerging art forms, but also our entire cultural moment. I now see my kids' activities in a new light; it even seems as if our future could be good." --Kim Stanley Robinson, author ofGalileo's Dream"[Saler's] book should be essential reading in every graduate school of the humanities. But it's much more fun than that recommendation suggests...Mr. Saler's insights could be developed in many directions." --Wall Street Journal"Brilliant...'As If' reminds us that, through real play in imaginary gardens, we can enhance the lives we lead in this alienated modern world." --Washington Post"Riveting stuff...Open[s] up a new vision not just of the literature of the fantastic, but of us as well." --Bookotron.com"[A] thoughtful book." --Reason"Demonstrates that such imaginative spaces are not merely aesthetically pleasing but culturally important." --Science Fiction Studies"A rich, densely packed cultural study that distills a remarkable amount of literary criticism and aesthetic, psychological, and sociological theory into its arguments...You will find much in its pages to enjoy." --LOCUS"This wonderfully enlightening and terrifically well-written book finally makes the philosophical point that the practice of indulging in fictional worlds 'as if' they were real is not a mere act of escapism but also the consideration of the ever-changing, contingent, and subjective nature of the 'real' world that constantly eludes the attempt to describe it as 'just so." --The American Historical Review