Michael Crichton: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) [Hardcover]

Elizabeth A. Trembley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0313294143 | ISBN-13: 978-0313294143

Until now, Michael Crichton's many readers have had nowhere to turn for more information on one of America's most popular novelists. This companion features clear analyses of Crichton's life and literary influences, as well as chapters on each of his 13 novels to date. It will help Crichton's readers to learn more about how significant events in his life affected the development of his fiction and literary style and how the heritage of popular fiction, including mystery, gothic, adventure, and science fiction, influenced his writing. This study provides close textual analysis of each of his novels in turn, focusing on plot, character development, theme, and critical interpretation. This study analyzes Crichton's novels from The Andromeda Strain (1969) to Disclosure (1994). It features a clear, user-friendly organization, with two general chapters on Crichton's life and literary heritage, and one chapter on each of his novels. For ease of use by the reader, each chapter is subdivided into sections on general critical analysis, plot, theme, character development, and alternative perspectives on the novel that offer additional insight. The author shows how each of Crichton's novels incorporates a theme or debate from current culture and how his visions of genetically engineered dinosaurs, killer viruses from outer space, and deadly relations in international business have become part of American culture. This study will help the reader to understand the important issues raised by Crichton's fiction and to apply critical insight to an examination of those issues. No secondary school, public library, or college library should be without this first serious examination of the works of Michael Crichton.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If the entire series lives up to this book, it should be a required purchase for schools where students study contemporary writers...This book makes literary criticism of popular fiction accessible to high school readers, and the reading level is such that many upper middle school students can also enjoy the book...Highly recommended.”–The Book Report

“This is a carefully crafted and researched book begining with a biographical sketch and a description of various literary genres, Gothic, detective, adventure, and science fiction, which have influenced Crichton... The format is pleasing with good margins and headings in heavy type for ready reference.”–VOYA

“Highly recommended for secondary school, public and academic libraries.”–Catholic Library World

About the Author

ELIZABETH A. TREMBLEY is Head of General Education at Davenport College in Holland, Michigan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (January 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313294143
• ISBN-13: 978-0313294143
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > History & Criticism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Crichton Analysis Out There, May 21, 2000

By 

Chris Lambert (Rhode Island, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Michael Crichton: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) (Hardcover)

And what a great one it is. This book was the only considerable document I could find for thorough research on Crichton and his thematic ideas presented in his various works. With one solid chapter for each book, no area was left uncovered.

Up to date and extremely accurate. Recommeded 100% for Crichton fanatics and researchers alike.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars catching an elusive author, January 15, 2006

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Michael Crichton: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) (Hardcover)

Narayan of Rebeccasreads recommends Dr. Trembley's MICHAEL CRICHTON for the snippets of information that even the hardcore Crichton fan might not know. Though the book jacket proclaims it to be a "critical companion" there is a biographical touch to the work that makes it even more interesting. Dr. Trembley is quick to admit that it would be difficult to categorize Crichton into any one stream of contemporary popular literature. His fictional contributions are myriad, varied & difficult to pigeonhole -- just like the author under inspection!

For its time, this volume is good, however, it does need an update.

3.0 out of 5 stars An uneven work., January 30, 2012

By 

One Real Picky Consumer "mobius1357" (Texas) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Michael Crichton: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) (Hardcover)

Rather than providing a consistent analysis, this is more like some kind of unplanned buffet of essays. Small bites for everyone, but nothing that satify an academic appetite for analysis.