South Carolina Books

Clareson has created an entertaining examination of the development of American Science Fiction from the pulp magazines in the twenties and thirties to ground breaking and innovative novels existent at the end of the sixties. He shows the progression of modern science fiction and fantasy by exploring and developing the genesis of current tropes taken as a given by the modern reader. In the process of developing his themes, he revives the memory of writers now forgotten and out of print. After reading this work, I sought out the novels of Mack Reynolds, Cordwainer Smith, Samuel R. Delaney, Leigh Brackett, and Poul Anderson. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that many of the ideas and themes of Iain Banks, Charles Stross, and Neal Asher had been explored many years before. All in all, Clareson's text is interesting, eye opening, informative, and a rich resource for anyone interested in the formative years of Science Fiction.

Understanding Contemporary Chicana Literature uses the works of six notable Chicana authors to reveal common themes, images and concerns which make their writing part of a larger growing Latina community of work. Prose, novels, poetry and short works of Bernize Zamora, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, Denise Chavez, Alma Luz Villanueva and Lorna Dee Cervantes are considered in an assessment essential to any ethnic collection.

Though priced for flush university libraries rather than for skint individuals, this is an intelligent critique of DFW's work to date. Following an introduction, there are separate chapters on each of the 4 fiction books (the essays are discussed only in passing), illuminating the philosophical and aesthetic concerns of each book in a clear style with minimal academic jargon. Even longtime Wallace fans will find the book enlightening, and first-time readers couldn't hope for a better introduction to one of the most important American writers of our time. Highly recommended.

Margaret Whitt's text is intended to serve as a guide or companion to Flannery O'Connor's work "for students as well as good nonacademic readers."

She provides an overview of O'Connor's life, her professional career, and ascertains her status as a writer. Suggests that "two essential components" drive O'Connor's fiction: the fact that she "was both Southern -- ripe with its manners -- and Roman Catholic, replete with its mystery." States that it is the blending and weaving together of these two components -- manners and mystery -- that make her stories so "strikingly, stridently different."

Offers readers close readings of all of O'Connor's fiction and discusses the fourteen essays included in O'Connor's collection of "occasional writings" (Mystery and Manners) and in O'Connor's letters colelcted by Sally Fitzgerald in The Habit of Being.

Devotes the final chapter to a discussion of the nine stories that are included in The Complete Stories, published in 1971.

Supplies, throughout the volume: reference notes at the end of each chapter; information related to date and place of publication of materials; criticism by contemporary reviewers; and comments by O'Connor herself -- gleaned from her letters and essays. Concludes with a seventeen-page classified bibliography and a comprehensive index to the main body of the book.

Reviewer's note: Dr. Whitt completed her Ph.D. at the University of Denver, where she submitted her dissertation, titled "'The Meaning of Every Dim Implicit Hint': A Study of Manners in the Fiction of Flannery O'Connor," in 1986.

R. Neil Scott / Middle Tennessee State University

I thought I knew a lot about Franz Werfel, but after reading this book I stand corrected. This book literally blew me away, both with its depth and its clarity. Dr. Wagener has obviously devoted a great deal of his life to understanding Franz Werfel and his influences and it shows. This book dissects Werfel in ways I didn't think possible, providing much greater insight into what made the legend that is Werfel tick. True to form, Dr. Wagener's prose is powerful and insightful. Through his masterful pen, Dr. Wagener demonstrates -- indeed, he inspires -- a profound personal deep respect for Werfel for what Werfel gave the world in his writings. This is a remarkable and beautifully written "must have" for anyone interested in modern German literature, whether a novice or expert such as myself. Even if you have no interest in the subject area you will not be able to put this book down. Well done, Dr. Wagener! I am eagerly awaiting your next literary creation!

This is quite possibly the best book on Karen Blixen ever written. Brantly has synthesized most all scholars into a comprehesive look at Blixens work.

Understanding May Sarton is a comprehensive study of the poetry, fiction, and memoirs of May Sarton, a pioneering feminist whose literary works were underappreciated during her lifetime. Author Mark Fulk explores Sarton's writing as speaking to both genders and all sexual orientations, not just female or lesbian readers, and delves in a literary analysis of the true spirit of Sarton's intent. Covering all of Sarton's work, from her initial poetry celebrating women's sexuality to her coming-out novel and her final novel and volume of poetry about the advancing onset of age. Recommended for American literature, feminism, and women's studies reading lists, Understanding May Sarton is a superb reference and resource.

What a great read. This book truly let's you into the psyche of Baker. Reads sort of like a bio in many ways. Definetly a must read for Baker fans.

No hay otro libro donde uno puede entender la mentalidad de Weiss, un dramaturgo que a través de sus obras nos muestra documentos de guerras. El teatro documento, es una forma de mostrar esa realidad que muchos vivieron y otros no, denunciando los horrores de la guerra, moviendo la conciencia social mundial para que se conozcan estos crimenes, que hasta el día de hoy siguen y seguirán sucediendo.

Alan Astro has done a magnificent job of reading Beckett's oeuvre. His analysis is acute and sometimes brilliant: I have never read a better piece on _Endgame_, and Astro's take on _Watt_ is incredible. There is no contemporary critic who has dealt with the primacy of the signifier in Beckett's work the way that Alan Astro has, is, and will continue (we hope) to do. His contribution to scholarship and performance cannot be overstated.