Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature
Written by Allen Stroud
579 pages, about 12 hours of reading
Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free
About this book
Read it with a club
Small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.
News
- 1 member
- 1,813 discussions
- Active 18h ago
Read Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature alongside people who are reading it too.
Also here: News Bulletin, Just Joking....
Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.
See PrimeReading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- intermediate/advanced
- Informative
- Scholarly
- Comprehensive
The Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature, Second Edition, by Allen Stroud, serves as an invaluable and comprehensive reference work charting the vast landscape of fantasy literature from its ancient origins to contemporary manifestations. It meticulously details the genre's evolution, from early myths intertwined with history and religion to the modern concept of conscious suspension of disbelief. The book features an extensive chronology, an insightful introduction, a rich bibliography, and over 1,000 cross-referenced entries covering more than 800 authors, various subgenres, critical terminology, and the intricate connections between literary, scholarly, and lifestyle fantasies. This scholarly resource is designed for students, researchers, and enthusiasts seeking a structured and detailed understanding of the impossible made real through storytelling.
“Fantasy is both old and new. In the ancient past, stories of magic... were intermingled with history, religion, and fact.”
Key themes
- The Evolution of Fantasy
- This dictionary meticulously traces fantasy's journey from ancient myths and oral traditions, where magic was intertwined with reality, to its modern form as a distinct literary genre requiring 'conscious suspension of disbelief.' It highlights how societal changes and literary conventions have shaped the genre over millennia.
- Defining and Categorizing Fantasy
- The book actively engages with the challenge of defining fantasy, not as a monolithic entity but as a diverse spectrum. It categorizes numerous subgenres, critical terms, and recurring tropes, providing a framework for understanding the genre's internal logic and boundaries.
- The Interplay of Literary, Scholarly, and Lifestyle Fantasies
- A unique aspect of this dictionary is its exploration of how fantasy extends beyond mere textual narratives into academic study and even daily life. It acknowledges the symbiotic relationship where fictional worlds inspire scholarly analysis and influence personal identities and communities.
Worth discussing
How does Stroud's dictionary redefine or expand your understanding of fantasy literature's historical scope?
Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.
Discussions
No one has started one yet
Questions this book opens up
No discussions yet
Be the first to start a discussion about this book!
Sign up to start the discussionReviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to review this book!