Frontiers past and future : science fiction and the American West /

Though this analytical book is well researched and pleasing to read, its subject matter--the genre of science fiction and the American West--veers toward the odd. Abbott (urban studies and planning, Portland State Univ.) lures the reader in with a broad and helpful introduction to, and contemplation of, his subject, but most of the novels he discusses are off the beaten scholarly track. In selecting works infrequently referred to in other critical works the author gives readers an opportunity to supplement their knowledge of the field, but he is also obliged to provide quite a bit of plot summary. Still, the writing is often witty and colloquial in tone, as evidenced by the chapter titles--for example, "Never Final Frontiers" and "Beyond Alaska: Sourdoughs, Lunies, Belters, and Other Tough Guys." Concluding with extensive notes, this book will appeal to those with an abiding interest in science fiction and/or the American West. ^BSumming Up: Optional. All readers; all levels. S. Raeschild College of Santa Fe