There has been plenty of scholarship on science fiction over the decades, but it has left one crucial aspect of the genre all but unanalyzed: the visual. Ambitious and original, Landscape and the Science Fiction Imaginary corrects that oversight, making a powerful argument for science fiction as a visual cultural discourse. Taking influential historical works of visual art as starting points, along with illustrations, movie matte paintings, documentaries, artist's impressions, and digital environments, John Timberlake focuses on the notion of science fiction as an "imaginary topos," one that draws principally on the intersection between landscape and historical/prehistorical time. Richly illustrated, this book will appeal to scholars, students, and fans of science fiction and the remarkable visual culture that surrounds it.

About the Author
John Timberlake is a senior lecturer of fine art at Middlesex University.

Reviews

'Landscape and the Science Fiction Imaginary offers valuable analyses of works of non-literary sf, and makes a strong case for their importance to our understanding of the development of the genre and its engagement with landscape. The works central to each chapter are carefully historicized, and broaden our view of the sf imaginary and its intersection with landscape in visual culture.'

-- Chris Pak * Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction 131 *

'The conceptual gravity of Timberlake's study is undeniable, and his compelling readings make Landscape and the Science Fiction Imaginary a valuable contribution to the field of sf criticism and visual media theory.'

-- Patrick Whitmarsh, Science Fiction Research Association Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781783208609
Author John Timberlake
Format Paperback
Page Count 250
Imprint Intellect Books
Publisher Intellect Books