Speculative Orientalism: Asian Religions in New Wave Science Fiction

Examining the works of prominent New Wave science fiction authors from the 1950-1960s, Sang-Keun Yoo highlights the underexplored connection between American science fiction and Asian religions, such as Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.The book considers how the major world wars of the 20th century-Second World War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War- repositioned Asian culture in relation to the science fiction genre in the period.

Underpinning this study, Sang-Keun Yoo argues that “Speculati...