Friday, March 8, 2013

CFP Edited Collection: Magic and Dreams and Good Madness: Sociology and Neil Gaiman


Neil Gaiman is considered one of the most popular authors of science fiction and fantasy alive today. He has written novels, short stories, film and television scripts, comic books and graphic novel series; and maintains an extremely prolific online presence through his blog, tumblr and twitter accounts. Some of his most popular works include The Sandman comics, the novels Coraline, American Gods, and Stardust, and two episodes of the popular British science fiction series Doctor Who. Gaiman has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and The Bram Stoker Award. In 2009 he was awarded The Newberry Medal for children’s novel The Graveyard Book and the following year was also awarded The Carnegie Medal, becoming the first author ever to win both awards for the same work.


This collection will contain 12 essays inspired by the work of any of Gaiman’s publications over his career. His books, graphic novels and the movies they have inspired, provide endless possibilities for sociological analysis. This collection will be unique, encouraging the publication of chapters by those beginning their academic careers. It will prioritise submissions from graduate students currently working on their MA and PhD programs. Suggested topics include, but are in no way limited to:

- Society and its portrayal
- Sexuality and the Erotic
- Prejudice
- Bodies and Embodiment
- The Law and the Criminal System
- Government and Politics
- Education Systems
- Gender, Race and Class
- Relationships (sexual, friendship, the family, magic, etc…)
- Human and Non-Human Rights
- Conformity and Deviance
- Socialisation
- Mental Health

Please submit proposed abstracts of 500 words, along with a 250 word biography in Microsoft Word format to goodmadnesscfp@gmail.com by June 1 2013.