Michael Crichton: A Critical Companion

By Elizabeth A. Trembley

Book Overview

Until now, Michael Crichton's many readers have had nowhere to turn for more information on one of America's most popular novelists. This companion features clear analyses of Crichton's life and literary influences, as well as chapters on each of his 13 novels to date. It will help Crichton's readers to learn more about how significant events in his life affected the development of his fiction and literary style and how the heritage of popular fiction, including mystery, gothic, adventure, and science fiction, influenced his writing. This study provides close textual analysis of each of his novels in turn, focusing on plot, character development, theme, and critical interpretation.

This study analyzes Crichton's novels from IThe Andromeda Strain R (1969) to IDisclosure R (1994). It features a clear, user-friendly organization, with two general chapters on Crichton's life and literary heritage, and one chapter on each of his novels. For ease of use by the reader, each chapter is subdivided into sections on general critical analysis, plot, theme, character development, and alternative perspectives on the novel that offer additional insight. The author shows how each of Crichton's novels incorporates a theme or debate from current culture and how his visions of genetically engineered dinosaurs, killer viruses from outer space, and deadly relations in international business have become part of American culture. This study will help the reader to understand the important issues raised by Crichton's fiction and to apply critical insight to an examination of those issues. No secondary school, public library, or college library should be without this first serious examination of the works of Michael Crichton.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0313294143
• ISBN13: 9780313294143
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Greenwood
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

catching an elusive author

Narayan of Rebeccasreads recommends Dr. Trembley's MICHAEL CRICHTON for the snippets of information that even the hardcore Crichton fan might not know. Though the book jacket proclaims it to be a "critical companion" there is a biographical touch to the work that makes it even more interesting. Dr. Trembley is quick to admit that it would be difficult to categorize Crichton into any one stream of contemporary popular literature. His fictional contributions are myriad, varied & difficult to pigeonhole -- just like the author under inspection! For its time, this volume is good, however, it does need an update.

The Only Crichton Analysis Out There

And what a great one it is. This book was the only considerable document I could find for thorough research on Crichton and his thematic ideas presented in his various works. With one solid chapter for each book, no area was left uncovered.Up to date and extremely accurate. Recommeded 100% for Crichton fanatics and researchers alike.