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Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Document Type
Presentation
Event Website
https://www.mythsoc.org/mythcon/mythcon-53.htm
Start Date
5-8-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
5-8-2024 10:50 AM
Description
In keeping with the conference theme Fantasies of the Middle Lands, I will present on the magical use of the imagination, commonplace wisdom, and life lessons to be found in the science fiction and fantasy works of three authors from Middle America whose works span a century of science fiction and fantasy: Edgar Rice Burroughs, (1875-1950) and Ray Bradbury (1920-2012), both from Illinois, and David R. Slayton (in the present), a relatively new author originally from Oklahoma. The works of Burroughs and Bradbury were significant in making me both a reader and a re-reader of books. Their works— especially Burroughs’ “John Carter of Mars,” “At the Earth’s Core,” “Tarzan of the Apes” series, and his stand-alone novels; and Bradbury’s “Green Town,” “Martian Chronicles,” and “Illustrated Man”—influenced me with their everyday wisdom that included valuing the magical powers of the imagination, practicing chivalry, and championing fair play in dealing with others. I will also include a discussion of the works of the contemporary fantasy author David R. Slayton, who extends and updates many of the same themes in his novels through emphasizing diversity and portraying the complexities of life and relationships in his tales of urban and epic fantasy adventure. My presentation will use observations about myths and folk-tale traditions from some of the volumes of the “Collected Works of Joseph Campbell” series as a theoretical backdrop.
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Included in
Wisdom and Life Lessons in the Works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, and David R. Slayton
Minneapolis, Minnesota
In keeping with the conference theme Fantasies of the Middle Lands, I will present on the magical use of the imagination, commonplace wisdom, and life lessons to be found in the science fiction and fantasy works of three authors from Middle America whose works span a century of science fiction and fantasy: Edgar Rice Burroughs, (1875-1950) and Ray Bradbury (1920-2012), both from Illinois, and David R. Slayton (in the present), a relatively new author originally from Oklahoma. The works of Burroughs and Bradbury were significant in making me both a reader and a re-reader of books. Their works— especially Burroughs’ “John Carter of Mars,” “At the Earth’s Core,” “Tarzan of the Apes” series, and his stand-alone novels; and Bradbury’s “Green Town,” “Martian Chronicles,” and “Illustrated Man”—influenced me with their everyday wisdom that included valuing the magical powers of the imagination, practicing chivalry, and championing fair play in dealing with others. I will also include a discussion of the works of the contemporary fantasy author David R. Slayton, who extends and updates many of the same themes in his novels through emphasizing diversity and portraying the complexities of life and relationships in his tales of urban and epic fantasy adventure. My presentation will use observations about myths and folk-tale traditions from some of the volumes of the “Collected Works of Joseph Campbell” series as a theoretical backdrop.
https://dc.swosu.edu/mythcon/mc53/schedule/54
