Future West
Subtitle: utopia and apocalypse in frontier science fiction
By: William H. Katerberg.
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Lawrence, Kan
Language: eng
Number of pages: 281
ISBN-13: 9780700616091
Subjects: Frontier and pioneer life in literature; Utopias in literature; Dystopias in literature; Apocalypse in literature; Science fiction, American -- History and criticism; Utopias in motion pictures; Apocalypse in motion pictures; Science fiction films -- History and criticism; West (U.S.) -- In literature; West (U.S.) -- In motion pictures
Description: "William Katerberg takes a new look at works of utopian, dystopian, and apocalyptic science fiction to show how narratives of the past and future powerfully shape our understanding of the present-day West. Combining intellectual history, literary analysis, and political philosophy, his study boldly encourages readers to reframe their understanding of both popular Western culture and American political culture." "Ranging widely over science fiction subgenres - from alternative futures to cyberpunk - Katerberg takes us on a tour of utopias of all stripes, whether exclusivist, reactionary, or progressive." "By looking at how American frontier mythology plays out in the imagined West of the future, Katerberg offers a new approach to understanding the region's popular culture. Through this artful juxtaposition of history and projected futures, he reminds us that what's to come is not yet determined and that, even for a nation desperate to leave the past behind, history holds ideas that can light the way to a brighter society."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.