A collection of essays and a book review relating to Roadside Picnic, the Soviet science fiction novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Topics include: *Close reading of the novel to unlock its mysteries. *Translation triumphs and errors. *A British novel that had a profound influence on Roadside Picnic. *The critical reception of Roadside Picnic in the West. *The original plan for Roadside Picnic and the terrible compromise that came.

Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those strange misfits who are compelled by some unknown force to venture illegally into the Zone and, in spite of the extreme danger, collect the mysterious artefacts that the alien visitors left scattered around. His life is dominated by the Zone and the thriving black market in the alien products. Even the nature of his daughter has been determined by the Zone. And it is for her that Red makes his last, tragic foray into the hazardous and hostile depths.

"First Published in 1998, Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company."

Examines meanings and functions of narrative in film.

Following on Well Played 1.0, this book is full of in-depth close readings of video games that parse out the various meanings to be found in the experience of playing a game. Contributors analyze sequences in a game in detail in order to illustrate and interpret how the various components of a game can come together to create a fulfilling playing experience unique to this medium. Contributors are again looking at video games in order to provide a variety of perspectives on the value of games.

Focusing on such diverse issues as pornography, heavy metal music and McDonald's hamburgers, this text offers a critical and interdisciplinary analysis of the relationship between biblical studies and contemporary culture.