Philip K. Dick (Pocket Essential series) [Paperback]

Andrew M. Butler (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pocket Essential series | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

Pocket Essentials is a dynamic series of books that are concise, lively, and easy to read. Packed with facts as well as expert opinions, each book has all the key information you need to know about such popular topics as film, television, cult fiction, history, and more. At a time when most science fiction was about cowboys in outer space, Philip K. Dick explored the landscapes of the mind, conjured with fake realities, and was able to make you believe six impossible things before breakfast. He embodied the counter-culture a decade before the 1960s. Perhaps best known for Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?—the novel which inspired Blade Runner—Dick's world is one where reality is only provisional, where the President might be an android, where psychiatrists come in suitcases, and where God speaks through cat food commercials and comes in a handy aerosol can. As well as having an introductory essay, in this book each of Philip K. Dick's novels is reviewed and analyzed. And for those who want more, there is a listing of the many other books and articles which have grappled with this genius.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Pocket Essentials" is a dynamic new series of books that are short, snappy, and easy to read. Packed with facts, as well as opinions, each book has all the key information you need to know about such popular topics as film, television, cult fiction, "parapolitics," and more. In addition to an introduction to the subject, each topic is individually analyzed and reviewed, examining its impact on popular culture. There's also a handy reference section that lists related web sites and all the weightier (and more expensive) books on the subject. For media buffs and students, these are great little entry-level books that build into an essential library.

About the Author

Andrew M. Butler is the author of the Pocket Essentials Cyberpunk and Terry Pratchett and the coauthor of Postmodernism.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 78 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Essentials (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903047293
• ISBN-13: 978-1903047293
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,392,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful, quick, clear, September 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Philip K. Dick (Pocket Essential series) (Paperback)

I am what could be defined as a PKD scholar, and I think this small book is very useful as a reference. While writing my articles and essays I often use it. And I recommend it to those who have just read 1-2 novels by Phil Dick and wish to know more, and would like some advice about what should be read next by the same author. Andy's reviews are fair and the plot summaries won't spoil your reading. And there is a wealth of useful info to boot. Very high price/quality ration, in my humble opinion. Recommended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Quick Look Into Eldritch, February 7, 2001

By 

Justin Alan Price (Lineboro, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philip K. Dick (Pocket Essential series) (Paperback)

An excellent introduction to the complex world of Philip K. Dick, filled with insight and synopsis galore, it gives a quick and in-depth look into each of the works of this Chicago born genius. Mr.Butler has given us the perfect introductory book to Philip K. Dick, with a quick to the point review of a truely facinating career. It points the way to further reading. The book is clear evidence that Philip K. is one of the most important authors in American SF. This book is a must have for any reader of Dick, novice or expert.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quick, September 5, 2002

By 

A. G. Plumb "Greg Plumb" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philip K. Dick (Pocket Essential series) (Paperback)

My review is brief to match this book. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. I have read all of PKD's novel and short stories and another person's views are always of interest to me. But I suspect that a reader who does not know PKD's work well may find this book more confusing than stimulating. I would also have liked more of the short stories to have been discussed - some of the great stories not yet made into movies, plays or operas.

And finally, in a critical analysis like this I would have liked some explanation of how Mr Butler determined his ratings, and I would also have liked some considered opinion as to why PKD has such a great following that far exceeds, apparently in number and reputation, such other SF stalwarts as Simak, van Vogt, Asimov and Heinlein. And does PKD have a reputation outside SF that these other authors do not?