Lab Lit: Exploring Literary and Cultural Representations of Science

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Lab Lit: Exploring Literary and Cultural Representations of Science is the first formal, systematic, scholarly investigation of laboratory literature from the perspective of literary studies. Lab Lit as a new genre has received a lot of public and media attention due to its compelling presentation of science practitioners and the relatable explanations of the scientific advancements that have shaped modern society and will continue to do so. However, the genre has been largely overlooked by scholars. This book is an introduction to the world of science for those who up till now have been immersed primarily in the world of literature. The anthology contains essays that discuss Lab Lit novels using a variety of analytical approaches. It also features theoretical essays that explore the social and literary backgrounds of Lab Lit and help the reader position the critical pieces within appropriate contexts.

Reviews

This unique collection of contributed essays explores the cultural representation of science and scientists through literary texts. Its chapters provide creative, thought-provoking, and carefully curated observations about lab lit, bookended by a welcoming introduction to the genre by Olga Pilkington (Dixie State Univ.): "There is humor ... drama ... suspense ... [and] there is lovea life of science is a full one," she asserts. The final essay ("Illuminating a Hidden World through the Medium of Fiction") offers a case study, recounting contributor Rohn's decision to "name the nameless genre" through creation of the related website (http://www.lablit.com/), and featuring a short piece of the author's fiction ("Latent"), with a thoughtful afterword reflecting on the investigation of viruses, cautioning that "science is not ... confined to the laboratory," but that "the messages soon escape," evidently into literature. In conclusion, Pilkington rightly observes that while lab lit offers "possible ways into science" for the uninitiated, "just as a bridge can be crossed in either direction, lab lit works as an introduction to literature for scientists" as well. With her caveat that it is "not intended as a teacher's guide," Pilkington frames this collection as a direct invitation, beckoning new readers to the lab lit genre itself. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

* Choice *
Mixing discussions of science fiction and science in fiction (also known as lab lit), the anthology provides thoughtful analyses of print and visual texts that reference scientific ideas and practices. Lab Lits accessible prose makes it an ideal source for students interested in considering the roles sciences play in a range of literary works from Frankenstein to Flight Behavior and in appreciating critical approaches to the scientific imaginary. Both students and scholars can also benefit from the useful bibliographies provided with the essays. -- Carol Colatrella, Georgia Institute of Technology

Author Bio

Olga A. Pilkington is Assistant Professor of English at Dixie State University.


The late Ace G. Pilkington was professor of English and history at Dixie State University.