Reading Stargate SG-1 [Paperback]

Stan Beeler (Editor), Lisa Dickson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

Stargate SG-1 premiered in 1997 and over the course of eight seasons, the show has developed its own unique mythological superstructure. It has blossomed into a series driven by fierce fan loyalty, with lively Internet discussion groups, the proliferation of "textual poaching" in fan fiction and art, and popular annual conventions. This book is a lively critical celebration of both Stargate and its spinoff, Atlantis. Its characters, themes, representations of sexuality and "otherness" are discussed, along with its interaction with fan fiction, its locations in Canada, its ideological framing of an American point-of-view, and tensions between its humanistic morality and military/political objectives in the shows' plots. There is also assessment of the currently fledgling Stargate: Atlantis. Written for both fans and scholars, the book also includes an episode guide to the first eight seasons of Stargate SG-1.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In 1997 the series Stargate SG-1 first aired on American cable television and over the course of nearly nine seasons has developed its own unique mythological superstructure. Stargate SG-1 focuses on the dynamic relationships among the show’s main characters, the four-person first-contact team: SG-1. Each week they are taken to new planets where ancient human civilizations have been seeded as slave populations by the show’s arch-villains, the parasitic, body-snatching Goa’uld. The series’ concerns therefore range from ancient cultures and contemporary politics, to aliens and advanced technologies, all given life with award-winning special effects and anchored by the central icon of the Stargate. Stargate SG-1 has blossomed into a series driven by fierce fan loyalty, with lively internet discussion groups, growing ‘textual poaching’ in fan fiction and art, and popular annual conventions. It has also generated a spin-off, Stargate: Atlantis. In this welcome critical celebration, contributors discuss Stargate SG-1’s characters, cinematic techniques, its themes and its place within science fiction television and film, along with its interaction with fan fiction, its Canadian setting, its ideological framing in the American point-of-view, and the tensions between its humanistic morality and its representation of military/political objectives. There is also assessment of the currently fledgling Stargate: Atlantis. Written for both fans and scholars, the book also includes an episode guide to the first eight seasons of Stargate SG-1 and to the first season of Stargate: Atlantis, as well as a glossary of terms.

About the Author

Stan Beeler is Chair of English at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada. Lisa Dickson is an assistant professor of English at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845111834
• ISBN-13: 978-1845111830
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,228,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An in-depth and intelligent book for fans of the series., July 16, 2006

By 

Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" (South Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reading Stargate SG-1 (Paperback)

Stan Beeler and Lisa Dickson have put together a nice compilation of academic essays that are lively, spirited and filled with enthusiasm for the Stargate Universe. They explore subjects as varied as gender roles in certain episodes to the economics of selling "Stargate" as a cultural pop icon. The complex symbolism of the series is addressed, but I felt that more analysis of the ties to ancient Egyptian and Celtic mythology would have rounded out this collection a bit more. Fascinating reading here for fans wishing to do a bit of thought searching, and the episode guide and glossary of terms are sure to be helpful to all. Highly Recommended.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stargate!, March 21, 2008

By 

JAIMEE CLARK "higher and stronger" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reading Stargate SG-1 (Paperback)

I love statgate..and this book is a must have for anyone wanting to complete their collection. Its a great critique of the show, the characters and Stargate's impact on pop culture..Enjoy!