This thought-provoking examination of The Matrix explores the technological challenges, religious symbolism & philosophical dilemmas the film presents. Essays by scientists, technologists, philosophers, scholars, social commentators & sf authors provide engaging perspectives. Explored in accessible fashion are issues such as the future of artificial intelligence & virtual reality. The film's symbolism & some glitches are revealed. What is the Matrix?/Read Mercer Schuchardt 1Was Cypher right? Why we stay in our Matrix/Robin Hanson 2Was Cypher right? The nature of reality & why it matters/Lyle Zynda Artificial intelligence, science fiction & The Matrix/Robert J. Sawyer The reality paradox in The Matrix/James Gunn 1The Matrix: paradigm of post-moderninsm or intellectual poseur/Dino Felluga 2The Matrix: paradigm of post-moderninsm or intellectual poseur/Andrew Gordon Glitches in The Matrix & how to fix them/Peter B. Lloyd Buddhism, mythology & The Matrix/James L. Ford Human freedom & the red pill/Peter J. Boettke Finding God in The Matrix/Paul Fontana The human machine merger-are we heading for The Matrix?/Ray Kurzweil Why the future doesn't need us/Bill Joy Are we living in The Matrix? The simulation argument/Nick Bostrom The Matrix glossary

This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfeld, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans' “Matchmaking in Hellmouth” and Sherrilyn Kenyon's “The Search for Spike's Balls.” An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.

In this thoughtful, witty look at the acclaimed "Buffy" spin-off, five science fiction and fantasy writers discuss their favorite vampire.

Firefly’s early demise left fans with a deep sense of loss and plenty of unanswered questions. From what was wrong with the pilot to what was right with the Reavers, from the use of Chinese to how correspondence between Joss and network executives might have gone, from a philosopher’s perspective on “Objects in Space” to a sex therapist’s analysis of Inara, Finding Serenity is filled with writing as exciting, funny and enthralling as the show itself. Contents: • Introduction / Jane Espenson • The Reward, the Details, the Devils, the Due / Larry Dixon • The Heirs of Sawney Beane / Lawrence Watt-Evans • Asian Objects in Space / Leigh Adams Wright • The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of Firefly / Glenn Yeffeth • Who Killed Firefly? / Ginjer Buchanan • The Train Job Didn't Do the Job / Keith R.A. DeCandido • Serenity and Bobby McGee / Mercedes Lackey • Firefly vs. the Tick / Don DeBrandt • We're All Just Floating in Space / Lyle Zynda • More Than a Marriage of Convenience / Michelle Sagara West • "Thanks for the re-enactment, sir." / Tanya Huff • Whores and Goddesses / Joy Davidson • The Captain May Wear the Tight Pants, But It's the Gals Who Make Serenity Soar / Robert B. Taylor • I Want Your Sex / Nancy Holder • Just Shove Him in the Engine, or The Role of Chivalry in Joss Whedon's Firefly / John C. Wright • Mirror/Mirror: A Parody / Roxanne Longstreet Conrad • Star Truck / David Gerrold • Chinese Words in the 'Verse / Kevin M. Sullivan • Listening to Firefly / Jennifer Goltz • Kaylee Speaks: Jewel Staite on Firefly / Jewel Staite • Unofficial Glossary of Firefly Chinese / Kevin M. Sullivan

Every aspect of the science fiction classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is analyzed in a variety of quirky ways in this collection of essays. Topics include the logistics of the restaurant at the end of the universe, how the Internet is creating the real Hitchhiker's Guide, an assessment of Vogon poetry, and an analysis of computing. The essays are written by both science fiction greats, such as Cory Doctorow, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Stephen Baxter, Jacqueline Carey, and Alastair Reynolds, and up-and-coming writers.

With up-to-date information through book six in the series, this companion volume offers a comprehensive look at the world of Harry Potter through the eyes of leading science fiction and fantasy writers and religion, psychology, and science experts.

Leading writers discuss, debate, and celebrate the legend of Superman in this anthology, contending that his legend is a truly American myth. Superman was an immigrant with little more than the clothes on his back and raised by simple farmers, absorbing their humble values. He always chose to do the right thing, fighting for truth, justice, and the American way, and represents America at its best. The in-depth analyses of the comics, films and cartoons are at turns funny, philosophical, insightful, and personal, exploring every aspect of the Superman legend.

\\ COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED \\ Theories abound about the survivors of Flight 815 and their enigmatic island home on the supernatural television phenomenon Lost. This collection of essays provides insight into the most talked-about issues, including chapters on Why the Survivors Must Be in Another Dimension (or the Twilight Zone), Lord of the Lost: Jack vs. Locke, The Others: Where On Earth Did They Come From . . . or Did They?, and A Theologian's View of the Island as Purgatory. Contributors such as television critic Joyce Millman, science-fiction writer Adam-Troy Castro, and paranormal-romance author MaryJanice Davidson tackle predominant themes, plotlines, and symbols of the hit show while answering the questions on every fan's mind: What's with the polar bears and black mist? Why does the sudden struggle for survival lead some to romantic relationships, some to conflict, and others to leadership? and Why did Boone have to die?

This book was never published. Should be deleted.

\\ COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED \\ The tangled web of vengeance, love, and loss woven by Spider-Man comics and films is explored in this collection of insightful essays by acclaimed writers of comics and science fiction. A variety of topics—from the superhero's sarcasm to the science behind radioactive spiders—are discussed in essays on "Turning Rage into Responsibility: A Psychology of Loss," "Love Is Selfish: Can a Hero Afford Personal Attachments?," and "Self Identity and Costume Design." The popular rival Green Goblin, the bumbling-yet-influential media, and the part New York City itself plays in stories are skillfully explored, as is the overall philosophy of mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spidey's relationship with the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe.

The #1 New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson series—including The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, and The Battle of the Labyrinth—features a 12-year-old dyslexic boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, the target of mythical Greek monsters, and the center of a prophecy that could change the balance of power in the world forever. In Demigods and Monsters, YA authors take on Greek gods, monsters, and prophecy, to add insight and even more fun to Riordan's page-turner series. The book also includes an introduction by Percy Jackson series author Rick Riordan, that gives further insight into the series and its creation, and a glossary of ancient Greek myth, with plenty of information on the places, monsters, gods, and heroes that appear in the series. Demigods and Monsters is a collection of essays on Rick Riordan's wildly popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and is not authorized by the author, publisher, or any entity associated with the series.

Set in a future where cosmetic surgery is a requirement at age 16 and attractiveness is mandated, Scott Westerfeld’s popular Uglies series has received critical acclaim from the press and public alike. Chock-full of action, adventure and teenage rebellion, there’s no question why Uglies has attracted thousands of fans. In Mind-Rain, popular authors examine the series and delve into the underlying themes. What sort of critiques are Uglies, Pretties, Specials and Extras making about the real world? Is there more behind Tally, David and Shay?Mind-Rain is a collection of smart, analytical and completely unauthorized eessays on Scott Westerfeld’s wildly popular Uglies series. Westerfeld’s written introduction gives readers insight from the person who knows the series best!

Fans of the literary phenomenon known as the Twilight series can't help wanting more. A New Dawn gives it to them, inviting readers to join some of their favorite YA authors as they look at the series with fresh eyes and fall in love with Edward, Bella, and the rest of Forks, Wash., all over again.Edited by bestselling author Ellen Hopkins, A New Dawn is packed with the same debates readers engage in with Should Bella have chosen Edward or Jacob? How much control do Meyer's vampires and werewolves really have over their own lives? The collection also goes Is Edward a romantic or a (really hot) sociopath? How do the Quileute werewolves compare to other Native American wolf myths? What does the Twilight series have in common with Shakespeare? With contributions from Megan McCafferty, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, and many more, A New Dawn answers these questions and more for a teen (and adult!) audience hungry for clever, view-changing commentary on their favorite series.

Halo Effect is an unauthorized collection of essays on the bestselling video game Halo . Examining the Halo phenomenon from every angle—from profiling the greatest Halo player who ever lived to providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the wildly popular, virtual-reality Halo movies—this guide is the ultimate companion for anyone who wants to truly understand this amazingly successful video game. With discussions on the role of religion and science in the game, this collection of essays also looks into the creation of and community reaction to the launch of the Halo series.

One of fiction's most well-loved novels, this 19th-century classic continues to capture the hearts of contemporary readers with its notions of marriage, dating, and romance. Leading authors in the area of women's literature and romance contribute to this fresh collection of essays on everything from Lydia's scandalous marriage to George Wickham to the female-dominated Bennett household and the emphasis placed on courtship and marriage. Contributors include Jo Beverly, Alesia Holliday, Mercedes Lackey, Joyce Millman, and Jill Winters. This compilation is an excellent companion for both those new to Jane Austen and well-versed Austen-philes.