Abstract

Saturnalia

The article presents information on two books. "The Shape of Utopia: Studies in a Literary Genre," by Robert C. Elliott, and "Into the Unknown: The Evolution of Science Fiction From Francis Godwin to H.G. Wells," by Robert M. Philmus. The Shape of Utopia, illustrates that the structure of the utopian romance is finally being coldly examined--particularly its skeletal devices, like that of having naive travelers visit with their Intourist guides the palaces and dormitories; laboratories and department stores of the utopian state, where, whatever the size of the place, minds are always smug and rigid. Into the Unknown also makes satire a primary source and instrument of the works discussed--a thesis which could owe something to the fact that the book was apparently once a doctoral dissertation directed by Robert C. Elliott! But so goes the pursuit of knowledge, and in this instance the student may be on a better track than his teacher.