Ursula K. Le Guin: A Critical Companion

by Susan M. Bernardo, Graham J. Murphy

Though science fiction has existed as a literary genre for well over a century, a working definition of the term has yet to be determined. Ursula K. Le Guin, who emerged as a popular science fiction and fantasy writer in the 1960s, has not only witnessed, but also experienced first-hand the shifts and transformations of this increasingly popular genre. Delve into her fantastical worlds and investigate several of her famous works in this study ideal for high school and undergraduate students. Learn about the author's life and decade-spanning career, as well as her numerous literary achievements. This comprehensive analysis of Le Guin's work will leave readers anxious for her future endeavors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ebooks

216 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2006

About the author

Associate professor of English, Wagner College (Staten Island, New York, USA).
Her academic interests include: science fiction, ecocriticism, Victorian fiction, and fairy tales.

Reviews

[Dennis Friedrichsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generous 3 stars. The book provides a very general overview of Le Guin and some of her major works, but there are several contentious statements, outdated or overly simplistic arguments on the fantasy genre, and an occasional lack of focus. The book is fine as a general introduction to Le Guin, but it is not a scholarly book. I would recommend it for high school students and teachers, not least because the book focuses on areas such as plot development, character development and themes.

[Anna S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book hoping for some insight into ULG's books but sadly I haven't found it yet. Each chapter is on a different book, and the majority of the content is a précis of the book. There is some analysis of themes but to be honest it's nothing you wouldn't be able to work out for yourself from reading a few interviews with her and her Wikipedia page as well as whichever book you were interested in. Unenlightening.