Stephen R. Donaldson and the Modern Epic Vision: A Critical Study of the "Chronicles of Thomas Covenant" Novels

Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy #17

by Christine Barkley, Donald E. Palumbo (Editor), C.W. Sullivan III (Editor)

This critical study analyzes Stephen R. Donaldson's role as a modern writer who uses the fantasy genre to discuss situations and predicaments germane to the modern world. Donaldson reclaims an epic vision in his Thomas Covenant novels that is lacking in most modern literature. Chapters demonstrate how this use of epic heroism helps solve seemingly insurmountable problems and provides more meaning and purpose for individuals. As Donaldson's characters learn to transcend their world, the reader is engaged in a serious, enlightened discussion about the need for imagination, responsibility and acceptance to resolve such problems as alienation, pollution, disease and despair.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Robert]

Throws everything including the kitchen sink in there but sadly offers very little in the way of insight.

[Shawn Veltheim]

Barkley's analysis is pretty insightful, I learned a lot that otherwise would have gone over my head. Unfortunately there are pages and pages and pages and pages of summary, especially towards the end.