Lucie Armitt is Professor of Contemporary English Literature at the University of Lincoln, UK. She has been researching and publishing in the field of fantasy since 1991 and is the author of several books, articles and book chapters on the subject. She is especially interested in the influence fantasy has upon culture in general and the important role it plays in our understanding of the real.

1. Defining Fantasy 2. A Historical Overview of Fantasy: Ovid to Game Boy 3. Animal Fantasy for Children 4. Fantasy Quests 5. Fantasy and Politics 6. Fantasy and the Erotic

Fantasy provides an invaluable and accessible guide to the study of this fascinating field.
Covering literature, film, television, ballet, light opera and visual art and featuring a historical overview from Ovid to the Toy Story franchise, this book takes the reader through the key landmark moments in the development of fantasy criticism. This comprehensive guide examines fantasy and politics, fantasy and the erotic, quest narratives and animal fantasy for children. The versatility and cultural significance of fantasy is explored, alongside the important role fantasy plays in our understanding of 'the real', from childhood onwards.
Written in a clear, engaging style and featuring an extensive glossary of terms, this is the essential introduction to Fantasy.