Magic Words, Magic Worlds: Form and Style in Epic Fantasy

This book explores the writing style used in epic fantasy novels, which create elaborate secondary worlds out of language. It offers insights into the genre's use of syntax, perspective, paratexts, and frame narratives, and argues that it shapes the way people think by examining how literary representation and style influence perception.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

While all fiction employs words to construct models of the world for readers, nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of fantasy fiction. Epic fantasy novels, in particular, take this concept to extraordinary heights by creating intricate and fully-realized secondary worlds entirely through the power of language. However, despite the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship that go into constructing these fictional worlds, the writing style used to bring them to life has received relatively limited scholarly attention. This book aims to rectify that oversight by providing a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of style in epic fantasy. Through close readings of selected works by renowned authors such as Steven Erikson, Ursula Le Guin, N. K. Jemisin, and Brandon Sanderson, this book seeks to shed light on the profound implications of fantasy's use of syntax, perspective, paratexts, frame narratives, and other stylistic devices. By re-examining critical assumptions about the reading experience of epic fantasy, this work aims to explore the genre's reputation for ornate and archaic language and its remarkable ability to evoke a sense of wonder. Ultimately, it argues that epic fantasy plays a crucial role in shaping the way people think, examining how literary representation and style influence perception and interpretation.

While all fiction employs words to construct models of the world for readers, nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of fantasy fiction. Epic fantasy novels, in particular, take this concept to extraordinary heights by creating intricate and fully-realized secondary worlds entirely through the power of language. However, despite the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship that go into constructing these fictional worlds, the writing style used to bring them to life has received relatively limited scholarly attention. This book aims to rectify that oversight by providing a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of style in epic fantasy. Through close readings of selected works by renowned authors such as Steven Erikson, Ursula Le Guin, N. K. Jemisin, and Brandon Sanderson, this book seeks to shed light on the profound implications of fantasy's use of syntax, perspective, paratexts, frame narratives, and other stylistic devices. By re-examining critical assumptions about the reading experience of epic fantasy, this work aims to explore the genre's reputation for ornate and archaic language and its remarkable ability to evoke a sense of wonder. Ultimately, it argues that epic fantasy plays a crucial role in shaping the way people think, examining how literary representation and style influence perception and interpretation.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476687131