Background
Bartter, Martha Ann was born on December 15, 1932 in Oakland, California, United States. Daughter of Lewis Walter and Ethel Davis (Putnam) Taylor.
( Bartter surveys 250 American science-fiction stories, a...)
Bartter surveys 250 American science-fiction stories, and American SF novels--with occasional overlaps of stories made into episodic novels--that have some relationship, often direct, sometimes marginal, to atomic weapons and their effects. . . . Highly recommended for popular literature collections. Choice Divided into three principal parts, The Way to Ground Zero begins by exploring The Way to Hiroshima. Through a detailed analysis of the works included, Bartter reveals the sociopolitical assumptions that authors took for granted and develops a method by which these assumptions can be disclosed. She shows that encoded in these fictions we can find the patterns that led us to create and use the atomic bomb. In the second section, Bartter looks at the deeper assumptions on which these sociopolitical assumptions rest, focusing particularly on those which perpetuate considerations of nuclear war--both in science fiction and in actual policy making. Finally, Bartter explores alternative assumptions proposed by innovative science fiction writers. Throughout, an attempt is made to forge a deeper understanding of the ways in which science fiction both reflects and influences human and international relations. Students of science fiction and of literature and politics will find Bartter's work enlightening, provocative reading. Bartter argues that a close examination of American fiction, particularly science fiction, can offer important new insights into the events surrounding the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The use of an atomic bomb to end the war followed a scenario long established in science fiction--defeating our enemy with a super-weapon developed by native technological genius. By examining the interrelationship between this persistent plot-device and the development and use of a real super-weapon, Bartter sheds new light on the transactional role of literature and real life. Her analysis is based on a comprehensive theory of human nature, substantiated by exhaustive research in science fiction archives and libraries and covers a large number of stories--both well-known and relatively obscure--featuring super weapons or super war and published by American authors.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0313258929/?tag=2022091-20
( Utopia forms a major aspect of human desire, one that i...)
Utopia forms a major aspect of human desire, one that is as important as religion. Understanding utopia and the ways in which it can collapse into dystopia is crucial in many disciplines. Fantastic literature (including science fiction and fantasy) is the only form of literature that takes utopia/dystopia seriously. Therefore, analysis of these works provides a basis for serious experimentation in social science. In this volume, critics analyze contemporary literary thought experiments such as 1984 and We. They show how utopian experiments can easily slide into dystopia. Exploring these fictional sociocultural, political experiments gives us new ways to think about our lives and culture. While literature, history, and political science professors may find this book useful, it can also serve as a call to arms to anyone dedicated to maintaining freedom and humane living in the world today.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031331635X/?tag=2022091-20
Bartter, Martha Ann was born on December 15, 1932 in Oakland, California, United States. Daughter of Lewis Walter and Ethel Davis (Putnam) Taylor.
Bachelor of Science, University Rochester, 1975. Master of Arts, University Rochester, 1979. Doctor of Philosophy, University Rochester, 1986.
Instructor English University Rochester, New York, 1979-1984. Assistant professor Monroe Community College, Rochester, 1982. Instructor English Rochester Institute of Technology, 1983.
Assistant professor Ohio State University, Marion, 1985-1992. Associate professor Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri, 1992—1998, professor, 1998—2008, professor emerita, since 2008. Consultant Hilgartner & Associates, Kirksville, since 1982.
( Bartter surveys 250 American science-fiction stories, a...)
( Utopia forms a major aspect of human desire, one that i...)
Treasurer International Association for the Fantastic In the Arts, 1995-1998. Board directors Heritage Trails Council Girl Scouts United States of America, 1988-1992. Member National Council Teachers English (judge 1990, 91, 92), League of Women Voters, Altrusa (chairman international affairs Marion 1987-1990), Phi Kappa Phi (treasurer Truman chapter 2001-2007).
Married Robert B. Bartter, August 22, 1951 (deceased October 1976). Children: Carol L. Bartter Lowy, Bradley D., Barbara A. Bartter Huff, Kenneth R. Married C.A. Hilgartner, January 17, 1986.