ranocchietto's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
There are so many levels I appreciated in this book. The first is the language that Atteberry uses: it's accessible even for someone who is not an expert in the field, while remaining specific and deep in its discussion of technical concepts.
Another aspect was the organisation of the chapters, that are structured in a way that shows the evolution and the expansion of the relationship between myth and fantastic fiction, as influenced by changing literary, sociological and anthropological approaches.
On a more directly emotional side, it's a really inspiring exploration, written by someone who deeply loves and knows fantastic fiction and fiction in general. It's one of those works that reignites my passion for literature, that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity of explanation and attention to details in all its analyses.
I'm so glad this essay introduced me to the concept of the numinous, plus the analysis of how fantasy elaborates on myth feels extremely important for the current media/fiction landscape.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy, literature or fiction.
Another aspect was the organisation of the chapters, that are structured in a way that shows the evolution and the expansion of the relationship between myth and fantastic fiction, as influenced by changing literary, sociological and anthropological approaches.
On a more directly emotional side, it's a really inspiring exploration, written by someone who deeply loves and knows fantastic fiction and fiction in general. It's one of those works that reignites my passion for literature, that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity of explanation and attention to details in all its analyses.
I'm so glad this essay introduced me to the concept of the numinous, plus the analysis of how fantasy elaborates on myth feels extremely important for the current media/fiction landscape.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy, literature or fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Colonisation, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Grief, Classism, and Death of parent
theafictionado's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderfully readable (coherent, engaging, as well as sometimes quite funny) academic text on the connection between myth and fantasy, and the issues that arise therein, such as the question of cultural ownership and of originality.
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