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Jewish Science Fiction and Fantasy through 1945 - by Valerie Estelle Frankel (Paperback)
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Highlights
- This book investigates the role of Jewish legends and tropes in the creation and development of speculative fiction during the European Enlightenment, in America's golden age magazines, superhero comics, and films, and with magical realism trends in South America and Israel, arguing that Jewish writers created and perfected the genre.
- About the Author: Valerie Estelle Frankel teaches at Mission College and San Jose City College.
- 230 Pages
- Social Science, Jewish Studies
- Series Name: Jewish Science Fiction and Fantasy
Description
About the Book
This book investigates the role of Jewish legends and tropes in the creation and development of speculative fiction during the European Enlightenment, in America's golden age magazines, superhero comics, and films, and with magical realism trends in South America and Israel, arguing that Jewish writers created and perfected the genre.
Book Synopsis
This book investigates the role of Jewish legends and tropes in the creation and development of speculative fiction during the European Enlightenment, in America's golden age magazines, superhero comics, and films, and with magical realism trends in South America and Israel, arguing that Jewish writers created and perfected the genre.
Review Quotes
Frankel takes a broad view of speculative fiction and traces the way the Jewish people throughout history have used science, the supernatural, and fantasy to explain and interact with the world around them. Her willingness to be expansive in her subject matter allows her to gather evidence that strays far beyond the traditional definition of the genre, but clearly fits. The formalization of science fiction as a genre included numerous Jewish authors, editors, and publishers and Frankel provides a rationale for their participation, demonstrating that it is the latest evolution in a long history of using the same techniques of understanding their world and trying to bring about social and scientific change.
I have a special appreciation for Valerie Frankelrsquo;s compilation of this, the first volume of her Jewish Science Fiction and Fantasy series. As the contributor of a 20-page entry to the Encyclopedia Judaica (2nd Edition) on the same topic back in 1999, I thought Irsquo;d hit all the beats. Alas, not even close. Yids in space!? You have no idea. Scholars and fans rejoice, because this mammoth and indispensable undertaking will not soon be surpassed.
About the Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel teaches at Mission College and San Jose City College.