Science, Literature, and Film in the Hispanic World

Driven by such diverse advances as the Human Genome Project and the explosion of the World Wide Web, and also by the threat of human-inspired disasters such as global warming, the field of science and literature studies is currently undergoing an unprecedented expansion. The relations between science and literature have been and continue to be central to understanding Hispanic civilization and culture. In spite of this, Science, Literature, and Film in the Spanish-Speaking World is the first and only book to treat this new and dynamic field from an Hispanic perspective. This unique volume opens the door to an entirely new focus in the study of Hispanic literature and culture.

'This book is a veritable landmark in the Hispanic studies literature filling a current void whether in the English, Spanish or Portuguese languages. Through a well balanced selection of significant readings, it manages for the first time to aptly unfold before our eyes the unique and colorful tapestry that vibrantly integrates science, literature and film in the Hispanic world. Hoeg and Larsen deserve to be commended for their loving and expert care in providing us with this collection of subtle and beautiful texts.' - Juan J. Zoreda-Lozano, Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, School of Arts and Sciences for Design, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco. México

'The essays collected in this exceptional and well-integrated volume give a profound analysis of the connection between the sciences and the arts in the Spanish-speaking world. This relationship is reflected also in the original balance of liveliness, imagination and scientific rigor achieved by an eclectic spectrum of authors brought together in a pioneering work likely to establish itself as an important reference point on a broad and relatively unexplored issue.' - Professor Horacio C. Reggini, Miembro de la Academia de Ciencias y de la Academia de Letras, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

'These twelve thought-provoking and engaging essays explore the roles of science and technology in the construction of Spanish and Portuguese narratives. Theyprove that scientific findings, mathematics, physics, and philosophical ideas find their way into narratives and film in surprising ways.' - RoseAnna Mueller, Liberal Education, Columbia College Chicago

'This book serves not to unite disparate fields of scientific or literary discourse or

to delineate boundaries among them, but to explore and understand Hispanic texts according to their own multifarious vocabularies. Ranging from realism to science fiction, from positivism to postmodernism and the post-human, these fascinating essays represent significant contributions to their respective fields while also participating in the broader conversation about the relations between science and literature in the Hispanic world. The book deserves high praise and helps fill an important niche in Hispanic literary studies.' - Dale Pratt, Brigham Young University; Author of Signs of Science: Literature, Science and Spanish Modernity Since 1868

Jerry Hoeg, is Professor of Spanish at the Pennsylvania State University. Kevin S. Larsen is Professor of Spanish and adjunct professor of religious studies at the University of Wyoming.