Exploring Imaginary Worlds: Essays on Media, Structure, and Subcreation

This collection of essays explores the relationship between imaginary worlds in literature, television, film, computer games, and theatre, examining how the media incarnation of a world affects its structure and poses unique obstacles to world-building. The worlds discussed include Nazar, Barsetshire, Skotopogonievsk, the Vorkosigan Universe, Grovers Corners, Gormenghast, Collinsport, Daventry, Dune, the Death Gate Cycle universe, Twin Peaks, and the Star Trek galaxy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From the captivating world of "The Brothers Karamazov" to the futuristic realms of "Star Trek" and the enigmatic depths of "Twin Peaks," this captivating collection delves into a diverse array of imaginative realms, both historical and contemporary. Drawing upon the expertise of an interdisciplinary and international group of scholars, each essay offers a deep exploration of a specific imaginary world, delving into the intricate issues surrounding world-building within that realm. Together, these essays unravel the intricate relationship between these worlds and the various media platforms in which they are presented, examining the ways in which they intersect and influence one another.

Spanning a wide range of literary, television, film, computer games, and theatrical mediums, these worlds are interconnected, with many existing across multiple media simultaneously. The book argues that the media incarnation of a world holds a profound impact on its structure and presents unique challenges to the process of world-building.

The diverse worlds explored in this collection include the captivating world of Nazar, the enchanting realm of Barsetshire, the enigmatic Skotopogonievsk, the expansive Vorkosigan Universe, the hauntingly atmospheric Grovers Corners, the sprawling Gormenghast, the mysterious Collinsport, the futuristic Daventry, the desert-like Dune, the captivating Death Gate Cycle universe, the enigmatic Twin Peaks, and the vast Star Trek galaxy.

A sequel to Mark J. P. Wolf's groundbreaking work "Building Imaginary Worlds," this collection is a vital resource for students and scholars alike, encompassing popular culture, subcreation studies, transmedia studies, literature, and beyond. It invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the rich tapestry of imaginative worlds and the profound impact they have on our collective imagination.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367197308