Mind's Isle

Taking as its point of departure The Odyssey, Plato's account of Atlantis and The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor, this book examines the profound influence of these works on the development of island fiction as a genre specific to English literature. Close readings of island fictions from the past four centuries reveal the many ways in which they adapt, rewrite and refer back to these foundational texts, forming an important and intriguing literary tradition. Examples of the genre include such universal classics as Utopia, The Tempest, Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels, Treasure Island and Lord of the Flies.

Islands have always attracted travellers, writers and dreamers. This book leads the reader on a voyage of exploration to understand exactly what lies behind the island's powerful appeal to the literary imagination. Along the way, it explores the cultural and historical background to Britain's island status and its legacy of colonialism and imperialism.

Luand ca punct de plecare Odiseea, relatarea lui Platon despre Atlantida si Calatoriile lui Sindbad marinarul, aceasta carte examineaza influenta profunda a acestor lucrari asupra dezvoltarii fictiunii insulare ca gen specific literaturii engleze. Lecturile detaliate ale fictiunilor insulare din ultimele patru secole dezvaluie numeroasele moduri in care se adapteaza, rescriu si se refera la aceste texte fundamentale, formand o traditie literara importanta si interesanta.