Books about Portents from Amazon.com

The renowned cultural theorist reveals the deeper meanings of popular cultural phenomena in post 9/11 life in America

The intellectual atmosphere in America following the event known as 9/11 was such that opinion deviating from the officially sanctioned narrative of good vs. evil was actively discouraged, the majority of the media toeing President Bush's war-mongering line. Thus it was left largely to European philosophers such as Jean Baudrillard, Paul Virilio, and Slavoj Zizek to think through the international consequences of this era-defining moment. However, behind the official smoke screen, certain American intellectuals maintained a critical distance from the propaganda and sought to understand the forces at work within US society.

In this perceptive work, Susan Willis examines a series of phenomena peculiar to post-9/11 America, including the Washington DC snipers, the Stars 'n' Stripes fever, and the anthrax hoaxes, arguing that even minor or seemingly aberrant cultural manifestations bear interpretation and reveal meaning which is inherently inimical to officially promulgated versions of the current climate of fear. As a "primer," this is an ambitious project that seeks to lay the ground for a renaissance of critical thought in America..
Price: $9.00 [Notify me when price goes down.]

In a world set in its twilight days, this critically acclaimed series follows Milo, a deeply troubled warrior, on his quest for redemption through a land beset by demons and the spirits of the dead..
Price: $3.20 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Now in its fifth hit season, Babylon 5--TV's hottest interstellar science fiction phenomenon--has spawned its own series of definitive episode guides! Catch up on all the action, show by show, from the very beginning with the Babylon 5: Season by Season guidebooks.

Babylon 5: Signs and Portents, kicks off with a foreword by actor Michael O'Hare, better known to viewers as Commander Sinclair, and features a fascinating look at how series creator J. Michael Straczynski brought his ambitious vision to the screen.

Then launch into a comprehensive overview of the groundbreaking premiere season, including in-depth, episode-by-episode summaries of all of the first twenty-two shows--from the pilot, "The Gathering," through the climactic season finale, "Chrysalis"--with analysis by author and B5 expert Jane Killick.

Veteran viewers or first-time fans, relive the adventure--or find out what you've been missing--with the complete companions to Babylon 5!.
Price: $4.95 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The Babylon 5 Roleplaying Game & Fact Book is a brand new d20-based roleplaying game based on the award-winning science fiction series created by J. Micheal Straczynski. Featuring full color pictures and film stills throughout, the Babylon 5 Roleplaying Game & Fact Book is the most detailed exploration into the world of Babylon 5. Newly developed combat systems including both deep space skirmishes and personal combat serve to heighten the dangers of life in and around the infamous diplomatic station. This game allows players to take the role of characters on board Babylon 5 and travel to the many stars and planets seen in the television series. The possibilities available to players are limitless, taking such characters as lowly lurkers and smugglers or brave Earthforce Officers and members of the Minbari warrior caste. Featuring exclusive never-before-seen official background material, the Babylon 5 roleplaying game is the most comprehensive information resource available for the award-winning television series! This 304-page d20 sourcebook details the entire Babylon 5 space station, along with the characters and personalities to be found onboard..
Price: $12.25 [Notify me when price goes down.]