The Transhuman Antihero

Paradoxical Protagonists of Speculative Fiction from Mary Shelley to Richard Morgan

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book The Transhuman Antihero by Michael Grantham, McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Grantham ISBN: 9781476619552
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Publication: September 18, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Michael Grantham
ISBN: 9781476619552
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication: September 18, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English

Advances in science and technology no longer change how we live, they determine it. In the not-too-distant future, techno-scientific developments may make individuals stronger, smarter, healthier and more productive--but to what end? Addressing this question, speculative fiction has created an abundance of transhuman characters, protagonists with extraordinary strength, intelligence or abilities. Often they are antiheroes, openly rejecting--or rejected by--society and acting on immoral or extreme principles that challenge readers to approve, condemn, excuse or explain. This study explores the antihero of speculative fiction as a paradoxical blend of human and transhuman. These protagonists illustrate the dynamics of individual, techno-scientific and societal norms, and blur distinctions between human and machine, biology and technology, right and wrong. Fictional works covered include Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818), Olaf Stapledon's Odd John (1935), Alfred Bester's The Stars My Destination (1956), William Gibson's Neuromancer (1986), Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen (1986-1987), Richard Morgan's trilogy (Altered Carbon, 2001, Broken Angels, 2003 and Woken Furies 2005) and Black Man (2007).

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Advances in science and technology no longer change how we live, they determine it. In the not-too-distant future, techno-scientific developments may make individuals stronger, smarter, healthier and more productive--but to what end? Addressing this question, speculative fiction has created an abundance of transhuman characters, protagonists with extraordinary strength, intelligence or abilities. Often they are antiheroes, openly rejecting--or rejected by--society and acting on immoral or extreme principles that challenge readers to approve, condemn, excuse or explain. This study explores the antihero of speculative fiction as a paradoxical blend of human and transhuman. These protagonists illustrate the dynamics of individual, techno-scientific and societal norms, and blur distinctions between human and machine, biology and technology, right and wrong. Fictional works covered include Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818), Olaf Stapledon's Odd John (1935), Alfred Bester's The Stars My Destination (1956), William Gibson's Neuromancer (1986), Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen (1986-1987), Richard Morgan's trilogy (Altered Carbon, 2001, Broken Angels, 2003 and Woken Furies 2005) and Black Man (2007).

More books from McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Cover of the book Legal Executions in North Carolina and South Carolina by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book Found Footage Horror Films by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book General Henry Baxter, 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book Pregnancy in Literature and Film by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book The Formulas of Popular Fiction by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book The Cellphone by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book Women in Doctor Who by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book A New English Music by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book The German Cabaret Legacy in American Popular Music by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book The Gothic Tradition in Supernatural by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book The White House by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book Urban Transportation Innovations Worldwide by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book True Believers by Michael Grantham
Cover of the book Foundations of Atlantis, Ancient Astronauts and Other Alternative Pasts by Michael Grantham
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy