Ray Bradbury: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) [Hardcover]

Robin Anne Reid (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0313309019 | ISBN-13: 978-0313309014

Reviewers and critics have not always agreed on how well the science fiction label fit Ray Bradbury, but the immense popularity of works like The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man leaves no doubt as to the enduring status of this important writer. This Critical Companion examines, in a Literary Heritage chapter, the situation of Bradbury's works within the science fiction genre and explores thematic concerns that set works like Fahrenheit 451 and Dandelion Wine apart from conventional popular SF writings. This introduction to Bradbury, written especially for students, traces Bradbury's interesting life, examining his early literary efforts, his forays into Hollywood, and his recent writing projects. Eight of Bradbury's major works are discussed at length, each in its own chapter, including two works published within the last ten years: A Graveyard for Lunatics (1990) and Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). Clear, thoughtful analysis is also given for The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Death Is a Lonely Business. In each chapter, analysis of the important literary components is given: plot, setting, characters, and themes. In addition, the genesis, critical reception, and an alternate reading of each work is also discussed in clear terms for students and general readers. Suggestions for further reading on Bradbury and his writings are also provided in a select yet extensive bibliography. This volume is ideal both for students reading Bradbury for the first time and for dedicated Bradbury fans who wish to appreciate his work with a deeper critical perspective.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-After introductory sections that chronicle Bradbury's life and his "fit" into the science-fiction genre, the remaining chapters examine each of the writer's book-length works. Each chapter begins with an introduction, followed by a discussion of plot and character development, settings, and themes, and ends with an "alternative perspective." For example, the alternative perspective for The Illustrated Man looks at race as a literary construct in science fiction. A thorough bibliography of both primary and secondary sources is followed by an equally complete index. This well-written and accessible volume provides a balanced combination of biographical, descriptive, and critical information that will be helpful to Bradbury's fans.-Marilyn Heath, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

“[a]n excellent introduction to Bradbury....[t]his hardcover is sturdily built to pass through many students' hands, and it is best suited to those of high school and undergraduate age.”–Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts

“This well-written and accessible volume provides a balanced combination of biographical, descriptive, and critical information that will be helpful to Bradbury's fans.”–School Library Journal

“[l]ong overdue”–Science Fiction Studies

“...a useful summary of Bradbury's life, works and themes...”–Fantasy Commentator

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 152 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (September 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313309019
• ISBN-13: 978-0313309014
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #880,736 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Critical Companion to Ray Bradbury Worth Buying, November 17, 2010

By 

Liza Kimball (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

The book is an analysis of a bunch of his books and stories. They were picked by teachers and librarians. I haven't finished it yet, but the analyses are very interesting. And a good biography to start out with. If you like Ray Bradbury or his books, or both, this is a good book to get.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not what it appears to be!, March 28, 2011

By 

Broncofan (Denver CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ray Bradbury: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) (Kindle Edition)

for $37 bucks I thought I was buying a compilation of Ray Bradbury novels but this book is just an analysis of those books. What a RIP OFF! I hope I can get a refund but not counting on it. The TOC show the novel titles but its just book reports. Misleading, overpriced, shame on you Robin Anne Reid.