Edward James, an Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at University College Dublin, has made significant contributions to the field of science fiction. He co-edited the acclaimed Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction, which won a Hugo Award, and authored Science Fiction in the Twentieth Century, showcasing his expertise and deep understanding of the genre's evolution and impact.
We are surrounded by stationery: half-chewed Cristal Bics and bent paper clips, rubber bands to fiddle with or ping, blunt pencils, rubbers and Tipp-ex are integral parts of our everyday environment. So much so that we never think about where they come from, why they are the way they are - or what stories they might have to tell. But luckily, James Ward does and he's here to tell you all about the secret pull stationery exerts on our lives. After all, who remains unmoved by the sight of a pristine blu-tak slab, or the first unmarked sheet of a brand new notepad? And which of humanity's brightest ideas didn't start life on a scrap of paper, a Post-it, or in the margins of a notebook? Exploring the stories behind these everyday objects, Ward reveals tales of invention - accidental and brilliant - and bitter rivalry. He also asks the questions you never thought you had: Who is Mr Pritt? What does shatter-proof resistant mean? How many pens does Argos use? And what does design evolutions in desk organisers mean for society?This witty and entertaining book, packed with fascinating facts, will change the way you look at your desk, pencil case or stationery cupboard forever.
This volume compiles essays from scholars and practitioners exploring science fiction's intersection with various fields. It covers the genre's history, critical theories like Marxism and feminism, and themes such as race and gender. Contributions come from notable writers, providing a comprehensive analysis of science fiction.
Since Tolkien, Pratchett, Rowling, Pullman and Meyer, fantasy literature has become one of the most popular genres in the English-speaking world. This book puts this publishing phenomenon in a historical context, suggests different ways of reading and appreciating this literature, and examines some of its varieties and subgenres.
This is an amazing story of how an engineer looked at the way a machine worked and saw a better way, a way that could and did save lives.
Publikace přibližuje přerod Franků na Francouze, přerod barbarů z bažinatých nížin severně a východně od rýnské hranice římského impéria v nejmocnější a nejstabilnější stát v období bezprostředně následujícím po pádu zápodořímské říše v 5. století.
