Ray Bradbury - (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) by Robin Reid (Hardcover)

About the Book

Reviewers and critics have not always agreed on how well the science fiction label fit Ray Bradbury, but the immense popularity of works like The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man leaves no doubt as to the enduring status of this important writer. This Critical Companion examines, in a Literary Heritage chapter, the situation of Bradbury's works within the science fiction genre and explores thematic concerns that set works like Fahrenheit 451 and Dandelion Wine apart from conventional popular SF writings. This introduction to Bradbury, written especially for students, traces Bradbury's interesting life, examining his early literary efforts, his forays into Hollywood, and his recent writing projects. Eight of Bradbury's major works are discussed at length, each in its own chapter, including two works published within the last ten years: A Graveyard for Lunatics (1990) and Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). Clear, thoughtful analysis is also given for The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Death Is a Lonely Business.

In each chapter, analysis of the important literary components is given: plot, setting, characters, and themes. In addition, the genesis, critical reception, and an alternate reading of each work is also discussed in clear terms for students and general readers. Suggestions for further reading on Bradbury and his writings are also provided in a select yet extensive bibliography. This volume is ideal both for students reading Bradbury for the first time and for dedicated Bradbury fans who wish to appreciate his work with a deeper critical perspective.

Book Synopsis

Reviewers and critics have not always agreed on how well the science fiction label fit Ray Bradbury, but the immense popularity of works like The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man leaves no doubt as to the enduring status of this important writer. This Critical Companion examines, in a Literary Heritage chapter, the situation of Bradbury's works within the science fiction genre and explores thematic concerns that set works like Fahrenheit 451 and Dandelion Wine apart from conventional popular SF writings. This introduction to Bradbury, written especially for students, traces Bradbury's interesting life, examining his early literary efforts, his forays into Hollywood, and his recent writing projects. Eight of Bradbury's major works are discussed at length, each in its own chapter, including two works published within the last ten years: A Graveyard for Lunatics (1990) and Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). Clear, thoughtful analysis is also given for The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Death Is a Lonely Business.

In each chapter, analysis of the important literary components is given: plot, setting, characters, and themes. In addition, the genesis, critical reception, and an alternate reading of each work is also discussed in clear terms for students and general readers. Suggestions for further reading on Bradbury and his writings are also provided in a select yet extensive bibliography. This volume is ideal both for students reading Bradbury for the first time and for dedicated Bradbury fans who wish to appreciate his work with a deeper critical perspective.

Review Quotes

.,."a useful summary of Bradbury's life, works and themes..."-Fantasy Commentator

?...a useful summary of Bradbury's life, works and themes...?-Fantasy Commentator

?[a]n excellent introduction to Bradbury....[t]his hardcover is sturdily built to pass through many students' hands, and it is best suited to those of high school and undergraduate age.?-Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts

?This well-written and accessible volume provides a balanced combination of biographical, descriptive, and critical information that will be helpful to Bradbury's fans.?-School Library Journal

?[l]ong overdue?- Science Fiction Studies

?[l]ong overdue?-Science Fiction Studies

?[l]ong overdue??Science Fiction Studies

"Ýa¨n excellent introduction to Bradbury....Ýt¨his hardcover is sturdily built to pass through many students' hands, and it is best suited to those of high school and undergraduate age."-Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts

"Ýl¨ong overdue"-Science Fiction Studies

..."a useful summary of Bradbury's life, works and themes..."-Fantasy Commentator

"[l]ong overdue"-Science Fiction Studies

"This well-written and accessible volume provides a balanced combination of biographical, descriptive, and critical information that will be helpful to Bradbury's fans."-School Library Journal

"[a]n excellent introduction to Bradbury....[t]his hardcover is sturdily built to pass through many students' hands, and it is best suited to those of high school and undergraduate age."-Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts

About the Author

ROBIN ANNE REID is Assistant Professor of Literature and Languages at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas. She is the author of Arthur C. Clarke: A Critical Companion (Greenwood, 1997), as well as several articles on science fiction. Her other scholarly interests include feminist and multicultural literary theory and Star Trek. She writes poetry and fiction.