Science fiction before 1900: imagination discovers technology

K. Alkon Paul, Paul Paul Kent Alkon

Routledge Chapman & Hall, 2002 - Literary Criticism - 176 pages

Paul Alkon analyzes several key works that mark the most significant phases in the early evolution of science fiction, including Frankenstein, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, A Connecticut Yankee in King arthur's Court and The Time Machine. He places the work in context and discusses the genre and its relation to other kinds of literature.

What people are saying

Review: Science Fiction Before 1900: Imagination Discovers Technology

User Review  - Julia - Goodreads

An interesting if somewhat biased look at several works that molded science fiction as we know it today. Enlightening with regard to relevant criticism on the subject, but your time may be better spent actually reading the books.

Review: Science Fiction Before 1900: Imagination Discovers Technology

User Review  - Luisa - Goodreads

If you love science fiction and you want to find out how it all began as a literary force, this book is a must read. This is not a text burdened by academic jargon. Alkon clearly explains our ...

About the author

Paul K. Alkon is Leo S. Bing Professor of English at the University of Southern California. His work Origins of Futuristic Fiction was the recipient of the Eaton Award for the year's best critical work on science fiction.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Science fiction before 1900: imagination discovers technology; Genres in context; Issue 3 of Studies in Literary Themes and Genres
• Authors: K. Alkon Paul, Paul Paul Kent Alkon
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Routledge Chapman & Hall, 2002
• ISBN: 0415938872, 9780415938877
• Length: 176 pages
• Subjects: Fiction / Science Fiction / General; Literary Criticism / Science Fiction & Fantasy; Reference / Bibliographies & Indexes; Reference / Writing Skills