Speculative Wests: Popular Representations of a Region and Genre

Speculative Wests explores hybrid western forms created by merging the western with one or more speculative genres or subgenres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and alternate history, focusing on literature, film, and television from 2016 to 2020, creating new visions of the American West.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The cultural landscape of the twenty-first century is a rich tapestry of diverse media, including literature, film, television, comic books, and more. Within this landscape, we witness the emergence of a fascinating genre known as "speculative westerns," which blends the traditional Western with one or more speculative genres or subgenres, such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, and alternate history. These hybrid forms have given birth to a unique and captivating subculture that challenges our perceptions of the West and its narratives.

Speculative Wests, a project by Dr. Shelley S. Rees, explores this intriguing phenomenon in depth. It delves into both speculative westerns and other speculative texts that feature western settings, providing a comprehensive examination of the genre and its place in contemporary literature. Just as the term "western" encompasses both a genre and a region, Speculative Wests focuses on the study of both genre and place. It examines the "speculative Wests" that have emerged in recent years, such as the zombie-threatened California of Justina Ireland's Deathless Divide (2020), the reimagined future Navajo nation of Rebecca Roanhorse's Sixth World series (2018-19), and the complex temporal and geographic borderlands of Alfredo Véa's time travel novel The Mexican Flyboy (2016).

By focusing on literature, film, and television from 2016 to 2020, Speculative Wests creates new visions of the American West. It challenges traditional narratives and stereotypes, offering fresh perspectives and subversions of the genre. Through its analysis, the project seeks to expand our understanding of the West and its role in shaping our cultural identity.

One of the key aspects of Speculative Wests is its commitment to diversity and representation. The project recognizes that the West has been historically marginalized and underrepresented in mainstream media, and it seeks to rectify this by showcasing the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. It encourages writers, filmmakers, and artists to explore the complexities and nuances of the West, to challenge traditional narratives, and to create new stories that reflect the rich diversity of the region.

Speculative Wests also explores the intersection of the Western genre with other speculative genres, such as science fiction and fantasy. It examines how these genres can enhance the Western narrative and provide new perspectives on the complexities of the human experience. By blending elements of science fiction and fantasy with the traditional Western setting, Speculative Wests creates a unique and immersive experience for readers and viewers.

In conclusion, Speculative Wests is a groundbreaking project that offers a fresh and exciting perspective on the Western genre. It explores the boundaries between genre and place, challenging traditional narratives and stereotypes while promoting diversity and representation. Through its analysis of literature, film, and television, Speculative Wests creates new visions of the American West, offering a rich and immersive experience for readers and viewers alike. As we navigate the twenty-first century's cultural landscape, this project reminds us of the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world and to create new possibilities for the future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496234582