Immortal engines
Subtitle: life extension and immortality in science fiction and fantasy
By: edited by George Slusser, Gary Westfahl, and Eric S. Rabkin.
Contributors: Slusser, George Edgar.; Westfahl, Gary.; Rabkin, Eric S.; Eaton Conference on Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature (14th : 1992 : University of California, Riverside)
Publisher: University of Georgia Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Athens [Ga.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 243
Subjects: Science fiction -- History and criticism -- Congresses.; Fantasy fiction -- History and criticism -- Congresses.; Longevity in literature -- Congresses.; Immortalism in literature -- Congresses.
Description: These nineteen original essays seek to recontextualize the subject of immortality, examining its influence as an ancient human aspiration while at the same time considering new scientific advances and their impact on life and literature.

Grouped in three broad categories, the essays provide key information about and concepts of immortality, examine science fiction stories and scientific research to consider the prospects and possible effects of achieving immortality, and discuss immortality and life extension as literary themes.

The topics the essays focus on, as well as the perspectives of the contributors, range widely: genetics, cryonics, Marxism, Darwinism, cyberspace, feminist writing, religion, Italian science fiction, film, children's literature, video games, and comic books.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Essays originally presented at the 14th annual Eaton Conference on Science Fiction and Fantasy, University of California at Riverside, April 1992.