Space for Peace: Fragments of the Irish Troubles in the Science Fiction of Bob Shaw and James White

In the post-war period, Bob Shaw and James White produced science fiction stories in Belfast, gaining the respect of international luminaries. This book connects their work with the city's position as a technological hub and explores the influence of historical narratives and the alien figure. It considers their works as utopian gestures against the backdrop of the Irish Troubles and contributes to the growing conversation about Irish science fiction and modernity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2021
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Science fiction may not be the first genre that comes to mind when discussing Irish literature, but in the post-war period in Belfast, two authors, Bob Shaw and James White, began producing science fiction stories that eventually found their way into international markets and garnered the admiration of renowned figures such as Arthur C. Clarke, Brian Aldiss, and Stanley Kubrick. While their work in the international science fiction scene has been highly acclaimed for its innovative approaches to the genre, it has received relatively limited attention within Irish Studies. This book seeks to bridge that gap by exploring the connection between the emergence of science fiction in Belfast and the city's position as a hub of technological development on the island of Ireland. It also delves into the development of a corresponding technological imaginary and how it shaped the narratives of Shaw and White.

Richard Howard, in his groundbreaking work, draws parallels between the narratives of Shaw and White and the enduring influence of historical narratives embodied by the two-traditions paradigm in the region. He also examines the figure of the alien in science fiction and its relevance to the history of Northern Ireland. Furthermore, Howard considers the works of Shaw and White as utopian gestures against the backdrop of the Irish Troubles, recognizing both repressive and redemptive elements within them.

This book makes a significant contribution to the growing discourse on Irish science fiction and our understanding of modernity in Ireland. It sheds light on the overlooked contributions of Shaw and White to the genre and highlights their relevance to broader discussions about identity, technology, and the complexities of contemporary Ireland. By examining the intersections of science fiction, history, and cultural politics, this book offers new insights into the rich and diverse landscape of Irish literature and its relationship to the wider world.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800348264