As If

Modern Enchantment and the Literary Prehistory of Virtual Reality

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Science Fiction, British
Cover of the book As If by Michael Saler, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Saler ISBN: 9780199887804
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: December 29, 2011
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Michael Saler
ISBN: 9780199887804
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: December 29, 2011
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Many people throughout the world "inhabit" imaginary worlds communally and persistently, parsing Harry Potter and exploring online universes. These activities might seem irresponsibly escapist, but history tells another story. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, when Sherlock Holmes became the world's first "virtual reality" character, readers began to colonize imaginary worlds, debating serious issues and viewing reality in provisional, "as if" terms rather than through essentialist, "just so" perspectives. From Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos and Tolkien's Middle-earth to the World of Warcraft and Second Life, As If provides a cultural history that reveals how we can remain enchanted but not deluded in an age where fantasy and reality increasingly intertwine.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Many people throughout the world "inhabit" imaginary worlds communally and persistently, parsing Harry Potter and exploring online universes. These activities might seem irresponsibly escapist, but history tells another story. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, when Sherlock Holmes became the world's first "virtual reality" character, readers began to colonize imaginary worlds, debating serious issues and viewing reality in provisional, "as if" terms rather than through essentialist, "just so" perspectives. From Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos and Tolkien's Middle-earth to the World of Warcraft and Second Life, As If provides a cultural history that reveals how we can remain enchanted but not deluded in an age where fantasy and reality increasingly intertwine.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Education by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Mind-Set Management by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Understanding Scientific Understanding by Michael Saler
Cover of the book The Oxford Book of Children's Verse in America by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Learning Together by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Observed Brain Dynamics by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Puritanism: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Advancing Evidence-Based Practice Through Program Evaluation by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Energy by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Gypsy Jazz by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Ethnicity and Beyond by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Choral Monuments by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Collected Papers, Volume 1 by Michael Saler
Cover of the book Book Smart by Michael Saler
Cover of the book The Philippine Economy by Michael Saler
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy