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.

One of the most prolific science fiction writers in history, Arthur C. Clarke began publishing science fiction in the 1930s and is working on the fourth novel in the Odyssey series (3001) nearly 60 years later. This study, the only one on his recent work, features detailed analyses of his eight most recent novels within the context of his literary canon. The novels discussed are Rendezvous with Rama, Imperial Earth, The Fountains of Paradise, 2010: Odyssey Two, The Songs of the Distant Earth, 2061: Odyssey Three, Ghost from the Grand Banks, and The Hammer of God. The intention of this study is to provide both conventional and alternative readings so that students and readers who love Clarke's fiction can develop their critical skills. A biographical chapter focuses primarily on Clarke's early interest in science, his work during World War II, his move to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1956, and his writing career. A chapter on genre discusses the genre of science fiction and Clarke's contribution to it. Each of the eight novels covered is discussed in an individual chapter that features sections on plot development and structure, narrative point of view, character development, and themes. Each novel is also examined from an alternate critical approach, such as feminist, gender, or postcolonial, to provide the reader with another perspective from which to consider the work. A bibliography of Clarke's fiction, selected nonfiction, general and scholarly criticism, and selected reviews and criticism of each of the eight novels completes the volume. Because of its currency, easy to use format, and thorough critical approach, this study is essential for student use and to update the library's critical material on Arthur C. Clarke.

Widely considered one of the leading experts on the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, Thomas Alan Shippey has informed and enlightened a generation of Tolkien scholars and fans. In this collection, former students and colleagues honour Shippey with 15 essays that reflect their mentor's research interests, methods of literary criticism and attention to Tolkien's shorter works. In a wide-ranging consideration of Tolkien's oeuvre, the contributors explore the influence of 19th and 20th century book illustrations on Tolkien's work; utopia and fantasy in Tolkien's Middle-earth; the Silmarils, the Arkenstone and the One Ring as thematic vehicles; the pattern of decline in Middle-earth as reflected in the diminishing power of language; Tolkien's interest in medieval genres; the heroism of secondary characters and numerous other topics. Also included are brief memoirs by Shippey's colleagues and friends in academia and fandom and a bibliography of Shippey's work.