Twenty-First-Century Popular Fiction

The book offers a comprehensive look at popular fiction in the twenty-first century, covering various genres and sub-genres, and featuring essays on established and emerging authors. It is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students and general readers interested in contemporary popular fiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This groundbreaking collection offers a unique snapshot of themes and trends within popular fiction in the twenty-first century. It features twenty new essays on key authors associated with a wide range of genres and sub-genres, providing chapter-length discussions of major post-2000 works of contemporary popular fiction. The lively, accessible, and academically rigorous essays presented here cover a wider range of established popular fiction genres such as fantasy, horror, and the romance, as well as more niche areas such as Domestic Noir, Steampunk, the New Weird, Nordic Noir, and Zombie Lit. The collection will primarily appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students, but general readers may also find the focus on many of today's most prominent and influential authors to be of interest.

Key Features:

Provides students with a timely and accessible overview of current trends within contemporary popular fiction

Includes timely reassessments of recent fiction by established figures such as Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Larry McMurtry, Neil Gaiman, J.K. Rowling, Jodi Picoult, China Miéville, Grant Morrison, Terry Pratchett, and Nora Roberts, as well as consideration of authors who have emerged more recently, amongst them Stephenie Meyer, Gillian Flynn, E.L. James, Hugh Howey, Cherie Priest, and Max Brooks

Includes supplementary material such as recommended further reading at the end of each chapter

The essays in this collection explore a wide range of themes and topics, including the impact of technology on society, the rise of social media, the influence of pop culture, and the exploration of gender, race, and sexuality. They also examine the ways in which popular fiction has been used to address social and political issues, such as climate change, inequality, and war.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the increasing diversity of popular fiction. With the rise of globalization, authors are able to draw on a wider range of cultural influences and perspectives, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive range of stories. This has led to the emergence of new genres and sub-genres, such as Domestic Noir, Steampunk, the New Weird, Nordic Noir, and Zombie Lit.

Another important theme is the way in which popular fiction has been used to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Many authors have created characters who defy these norms, and have explored the consequences of these actions. This has led to a greater awareness of the importance of gender equality and the need to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors.

The essays also explore the ways in which popular fiction has been used to explore the human condition. Many authors have created characters who are faced with difficult challenges and have to make difficult decisions. This has led to a greater understanding of the human psyche and the ways in which we can cope with difficult situations.

In addition to the essays, the collection also includes a number of interviews with authors and other industry professionals. These interviews provide valuable insights into the writing process and the challenges that authors face. They also offer a glimpse into the creative process and the inspiration behind some of the most popular works of contemporary popular fiction.

One of the most notable features of the collection is the quality of the writing. The essays are well-researched and well-written, and they offer a fresh and insightful perspective on the themes and topics that they cover. The authors have a deep understanding of the literature and the genre, and they are able to convey their ideas in a clear and engaging manner.

Another important feature of the collection is the diversity of the authors. The essays are written by authors from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, and they offer a unique perspective on the themes and topics that they cover. This has led to a greater appreciation of the diversity of popular fiction and the ways in which it can be used to promote understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking collection offers a unique snapshot of themes and trends within popular fiction in the twenty-first century. It features twenty new essays on key authors associated with a wide range of genres and sub-genres, providing chapter-length discussions of major post-2000 works of contemporary popular fiction. The lively, accessible, and academically rigorous essays presented here cover a wider range of established popular fiction genres such as fantasy, horror, and the romance, as well as more niche areas such as Domestic Noir, Steampunk, the New Weird, Nordic Noir, and Zombie Lit. The collection will primarily appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students, but general readers may also find the focus on many of today's most prominent and influential authors to be of interest.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474414852