The Imagined Arctic in Speculative Fiction

The Imagined Arctic in Speculative Fiction explores how the Arctic is imagined and what function it serves in a selection of speculative fictions, from Mary Shelleys Frankenstein to contemporary works that engage with climate change. Analyses focus on the function of the actual Arctic and how this function impacts and is impacted by speculative elements, highlighting the need for a deepened understanding of the discourses that have constructed and are constructing the Arctic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Imagined Arctic in Speculative Fiction delves into the captivating realms of how the Arctic is envisioned and the diverse roles it assumes in a selection of speculative fictions. These non-mimetic works, rooted in the intriguing question "What if?" span a remarkable two centuries of speculative fiction, beginning with Mary Shelley's iconic Frankenstein in 1818 and extending to contemporary works that grapple with the profound implications of human-induced climate change. Through comprehensive analyses, it becomes evident how Arctic discourses are either reinforced or challenged, and how new Arctic landscapes are seamlessly woven into the rich tapestry of textual traditions. By focusing on the actual Arctic and its profound function, these analyses shed light on broader lines of inquiry that shape our understanding of the world, our place within it, and the intricate entanglements between humanity and the more-than-human realm. As climate change brings the Arctic to the forefront of global attention, and as discussions surrounding the future sustainability of northern cultures, economies, and environments intensify, there arises a pressing need for a deeper comprehension of the discourses that have shaped and continue to shape the Arctic. A meticulous mapping and thoughtful exploration of both past and contemporary speculative visions thus illuminates the pivotal role the Arctic has played and may yet play in a wide array of practices and fields.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032409665