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Speculative Orientalism: Asian Religions in New Wave Science Fiction

Sang-Keun Yoo
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Speculative Orientalism: Asian Religions in New Wave Science Fiction

Sang-Keun Yoo
Hardback $115.00 $103.50 Ebook (PDF) $103.50 $82.80 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) $103.50 $82.80
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Description

Examining the works of prominent New Wave science fiction authors from the 1950-1960s, Sang-Keun Yoo highlights the underexplored connection between American science fiction and Asian religions, such as Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.The book considers how the major world wars of the 20th century-Second World War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War- repositioned Asian culture in relation to the science fiction genre in the period.

Underpinning this study, Sang-Keun Yoo argues that “Speculative Orientalism” emerged in American science fiction during the 1950s and 60s. This concept adopted various aspects of Asian religions to envision alternative worlds, unburdened by the constraints of colonialism, totalitarianism, racism, and sexism present in contemporary American society.

Bringing fresh perspectives to the works of William S. Burroughs, Philip K. Dick, Ursula K. Le Guin and Samuel R. Delany, this book offers an insightful examination of the role of Asian religions in American science fiction and their impact on the genre's history.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Series Preface
Introduction: Speculative Orientalism and New Wave Science Fiction
1. The Birth of Speculative Orientalism: British New Wave Science Fiction
2. First Encounter with Asia: The Impact of War Propaganda on American New Wave Science Fiction
3. The Prototype of Speculative Orientalism: William S. Burroughs's Poststructuralist Chinese
4. The Evolution of Speculative Orientalism: From Goods to Religion in Philip K. Dick's Short Stories 1950–1970
5. An Afro-Orientalist Version of Speculative Orientalism: Samuel R. Delany's Dhalgren
6. Beyond Speculative Orientalism: The Taoist Temporalities in Ursula K. Le Guin
Conclusion: Speculative Orientalism Now
Index

Product details

Published Sep 18 2025
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 248
ISBN 9781350447899
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations 7 b&w illus
Dimensions 9 x 6 inches
Series Bloomsbury Studies in Popular Fiction and Religious Dynamics
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

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Sang-Keun Yoo

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