Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy [2 Volumes]

Marc Notes:
v. 1. Overviews -- v. 2. Entries.;Bibl. ref. & indexes.

Biographical Note:

Robin Anne Reid is Professor of Literature and Languages at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Preface

The Middle Ages

Nineteenth Century Fiction

Nineteenth Century Poetry

Fantasy 1900 to 1950s: Novels and Short Fiction

Science Fiction 1900-1959: Novels And Short Fiction

Comics: 1900-1959

Fantasy 1960-2005: Novels and Short Fiction

Science Fiction Novels and Short Fiction, 1960-2005

Comics: 1960-2005

Genre Poetry: Twentieth Century

Fantasy Film: Nineteenth and Twentieth Century

Science Fiction Film: Nineteenth and Twentieth Century

Anime and Manga

Television: Twentieth Century

Music: Twentieth Century

Gaming

Men Writing Women

Heroes Or Sheroes

Intersections of Race and Gender

Intersections of Class and Gender

Intersections of Age and Gender

Speculating Sexual Identities

Science

Feminist Spirituality

The Creation Of Literature For The Young

Girls and the Fantastic

Fandom

WisCon

The James Tiptree, Jr. Award

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ENTRIES VOLUME II A-Z (150 + entries)

Works of science fiction and fantasy increasingly explore gender issues, feature women as central characters, and are written by women writers. This book examines women's contributions to science fiction and fantasy across a range of media and genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, film, television, art, comics, graphic novels, and music. The first volume offers survey essays on major topics, such as sexual identities, fandom, women's writing groups, and feminist spirituality; the second provides alphabetically arranged entries on more specific subjects, such as Hindu mythology, Toni Morrison, magical realism, and Margaret Atwood. Entries are written by expert contributors and cite works for further reading, and the set closes with a selected, general bibliography.

Students and general readers love science fiction and fantasy. And science fiction and fantasy works increasingly explore gender issues, feature women as central characters, and are written by women writers. Older works demonstrate attitudes toward women in times past, while more recent works grapple with contemporary social issues. This book helps students use science fiction and fantasy to understand the contributions of women writers, the representation of women in the media, and the experiences of women in society.

• Entries are written by expert contributors and cite works for further reading
• A selected, general bibliography
• Short, alphabetically arranged entries help students learn about more specific subjects related to women in science fiction and fantasy

"With a special focus on British and American speculative work, Reid (Bradbury: A Critical Companion) compiles the essays and research of 29 scholars, focusing on women rather than gender conceptions. Volume 1 features 29 essay-style chapters that provide broad topic surveys, like music, genre poetry, and comics. Volume 2 offers 230 shorter encyclopedia-style entries. The first book to chart this underrecognized scholarly territory, it broadens work begun by Judith Little in Feminist Philosophy and Science Fiction (2007). While the set lacks a supporting topic chronology, it is a landmark work that belongs in large literature collections and engaging enough for casual readers."

Library Journal

"[T]his is a work of impressive scope on an increasingly popular, important subject. It will be a useful addition to academic library reference collections in genre fiction and women's studies."

Choice

"Because of its academic tone, the encyclopedia is more likely to suit scholars than casual readers. This is an important addition for institutions with gender or genre-studies programs..."

Booklist

"For general readers, Reid . . . provides a two-volume reference on women's contributions in science fiction and fantasy genres--fiction, nonfiction, poetry, film, television, comics, graphic novels, art, gaming, and music--with a focus on works from the twentieth century to the present. The first volume contains essays about periods, genres, media, and themes, including sociohistorical context, movements, connections to feminist movements, themes and forms, transmission methods and media, audience and reader issues, intersections of race, class, age, and sexual identity, religion, and fandom. The second contains alphabetical entries on writers and other figures and topics such as national traditions. Some discussion of how men have treated women and gender in works is included."

Reference & Research Book News

"Developed for general readers, Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy is an effective reference guide . . . The text is readable and engaging, and the authors include appropriate background and clearly define all concepts and terminology. . . . As a unique, well-researched, and clearly written reference tool, Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy is highly recommended for college and university library collections."

Feminist Collections

"...the set is highly recommended for academic libraries."

Lawrence Looks at Books

Works of science fiction and fantasy increasingly explore gender issues, feature women as central characters, and are written by women writers. This book examines women's contributions to science fiction and fantasy across a range of media and genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, film, television, art, comics, graphic novels, and music. The first volume offers survey essays on major topics, such as sexual identities, fandom, women's writing groups, and feminist spirituality; the second provides alphabetically arranged entries on more specific subjects, such as Hindu mythology, Toni Morrison, magical realism, and Margaret Atwood. Entries are written by expert contributors and cite works for further reading, and the set closes with a selected, general bibliography.

Students and general readers love science fiction and fantasy. And science fiction and fantasy works increasingly explore gender issues, feature women as central characters, and are written by women writers. Older works demonstrate attitudes toward women in times past, while more recent works grapple with contemporary social issues. This book helps students use science fiction and fantasy to understand the contributions of women writers, the representation of women in the media, and the experiences of women in society.

Review Citations:

• Library Journal 03/15/2009 pg. 128 (EAN 9780313335891, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
• Choice 06/01/2009 (EAN 9780313335891, Hardcover)
• Booklist 05/15/2009 pg. 62 (EAN 9780313335891, Hardcover)
• Reference and Research Bk News 05/01/2009 pg. 274 (EAN 9780313335891, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:Reid, Robin Anne

Robin Anne Reid is Professor of Literature and Languages at Texas A&M University-Commerce.