01 02 Postcolonialism and Science Fiction explores intersections and interactions between the genre of science fiction and the theory and practice of postcolonialism, concentrating primarily on contemporary science fiction from the 1950s to the present day. The book argues that several of the foundational myths of science fiction – the 'other', or the stranger, and the strange and foreign land – are shared at the heart of colonialism, and that postcolonial science fiction has developed unique and creative ways of overcoming and dispelling these myths. Using close readings and thematic studies, ranging from lively discussions of Japanese and Canadian science fiction to a thorough and incisive deconstruction of race and (post)colonialism in the online game World of Warcraft , Postcolonialism and Science Fiction is the first comprehensive study of the complex and developing relationship between the two areas. It will be of interest to fans, researchers, students and anyone else interested in science fiction, postcolonial studies, or both. 19 02 First full-length study to explore the relationship between postcolonialism and science fiction Lots of academic (and popular) interest in titles on science fiction Discusses wide range of sci-fi texts, including very recent titles Speaks to current and exciting debates within both science fiction and postcolonial studies Breadth of focus, both in terms of texts covered and geographical context 13 02 JESSICA LANGER received her PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2009. She has published widely on postcolonial theory and practice and science fiction literature, film, video games and other media; her work ranges across a variety of geographical contexts including Canada, Japan and India. She currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada. 31 02 Grounded in the latest scholarship and cultural production, this book explores intersections and interactions between the science fiction and the theory and practice of postcolonialism 02 02 Using close readings and thematic studies of contemporary science fiction and postcolonial theory, ranging from discussions of Japanese and Canadian science fiction to a deconstruction of race and (post)colonialism in World of Warcraft, This book is the first comprehensive study of the complex and developing relationship between the two areas. 04 02 Acknowledgements Introduction: Elephant-Shaped Holes A Question of History: Geographical/Historical Context Diaspora and Locality Race, Culture, Identity and Alien/Nation Hybridity, Nativism and Transgression Indigenous knowledge and Western science Conclusion: Filling Holes, Breaking Boundaries Bibliography Index 08 02 'Jessica Langer's crisp study performs timely and acute analyses of issues of racial identity, problems of diaspora and locality, the clash of indigenous and Western forms of knowledge, and the play of historical continuity and discontinuity at the conjuncture of science fiction, colonialism, and postcolonial studies. It should become a central reference in this growing field.' – Professor John Rieder, Department of English, UH M?noa, USA