Archaeologies of the future : the desire called utopia and other science fictions /

This likeable book is a cornucopia of current arguments regarding the themes, purposes, ideologies, and, ultimately, direction of utopias. Jameson (comparative literature, Duke) knows his subject. He has harvested the most notable authors and critics to produce his assessment of the opposing forces within and the relevance of a class of science fiction that poses particular dilemmas because of its political nature. Examining the genesis and varieties of utopian science fiction, Jameson explains what creators of utopian societies have typically attempted to do and why the classical patterns have necessarily been replaced by a new approach to the political conflicts central to the form. Students of utopian literature and/or political science will find the first half of this volume, which provides an extended analysis of contradictions inherent in the genre, especially useful; those more interested in the science-fiction elements of utopias may prefer the self-contained essays in the second half of the book. A cautionary word: this is dense material. Less experienced readers will use the index to locate a quotable remark or two but may not be willing to dig any deeper. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. D. C. Greenwood Albright College