A Rhetoric of the Unreal: Studies in Narrative and Structure, Especially of the Fantastic (Cambridge Paperback Library) [Paperback]

Christine Brooke-Rose (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cambridge Paperback Library | Publication Date: August 31, 1983

This 1981 book is a study of wide range of fiction, from short stories to tales of horror, from fairy-tales and romances to science fiction, to which the rather loose term 'fantastic' has been applied. Cutting across this wide field, Professor Brooke-Rose examines in a clear and precise way the essential differences between these types of narrative against the background of realistic fiction. In doing so, she employs many of the methods of modern literary theory from Russian formalism to structuralism, while at the same time bringing to these approaches a sharp critical intuition and sound common sense of her own. The range of texts considered is broad: from Poe and James to Tolkien; from Flann O'Brien to the American postmodernism. This book should prove a source of stimulation to all teachers and students of modern literary theory and genre, as well as those interested in 'fantastic' literature.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Cutting across the wide field of 'fantastic' literature, Professor Brooke-Rose examines in a clear and precise way the essential differences between several 'fantastic' narratives against the background of realistic fiction. In doing so, she employs many of the methods of modern literary theory whilst retaining a sharp critical intuition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; Reprint edition (August 31, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052127656X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521276566
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,015,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)