Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-272) and index.

"William Katerberg takes a new look at works of utopian, dystopian, and apocalyptic science fiction to show how narratives of the past and future powerfully shape our understanding of the present-day West. Combining intellectual history, literary analysis, and political philosophy, his study boldly encourages readers to reframe their understanding of both popular Western culture and American political culture." "Ranging widely over science fiction subgenres - from alternative futures to cyberpunk - Katerberg takes us on a tour of utopias of all stripes, whether exclusivist, reactionary, or progressive." "By looking at how American frontier mythology plays out in the imagined West of the future, Katerberg offers a new approach to understanding the region's popular culture. Through this artful juxtaposition of history and projected futures, he reminds us that what's to come is not yet determined and that, even for a nation desperate to leave the past behind, history holds ideas that can light the way to a brighter society."--Jacket.

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