Escape Artists: Inside The World of Role Playing Freaks, Online...

Not so long ago, admitting that you read J.R.R. Tolkien or played Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) invited stares, silence, or public ridicule. Not any more. These days, fantasy escapism is big business --- a multi-billion dollar a year industry, in fact. Its tendrils reach into nearly every aspect of American life: Movies, publishing, home console computer games, online multi-player games, television, role-playing games, movie tourism, “fandom” science fiction conventions, scholarly Tolkien conferences, architectural fancies, and other forms adult make-believe. The sub-culture has gone mainstream. Geek isn't a four-letter word anymore.

As of yet, no narrative book has plumbed the reasons why now, more than ever, people are drawn to these imaginary realms and what the long-term effects might be, whether good or ill.

Via in-the-field reportage at various events, profiles of leading thinkers, psychologists, authors and player groups, and the author's examination ! of his own past, ESCAPE ARTISTS explores the appeal of these fantasy realms in their various pop-cultural incarnations. The book looks at how, through technology, escapist diversions have become increasingly convincing and immersive, and it considers what mass appeal escapism might mean for American society and our changing relationship with the “real world.”

By: Michael Costa

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Michael Costa is a successful entrepreneur who enjoys helping other people reach their true potential. He currently coaches people to financial success using the Reverse Funnel System.

Source: http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/rights/display.cgi?rights_no=5117
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