These nineteen original essays seek to recontextualize the subject of immortality examining its influence as an ancient human aspiration while at the same time considering new scientific advances and their impact on life and literature. Grouped in three broad categories the essays provide key information about and concepts of immortality examine science fiction stories and scientific research to consider the prospects and possible effects of achieving immortality and discuss immortality and life extension as literary themes. The topics the essays focus on as well as the perspectives of the contributors range widely: genetics cryonics Marxism Darwinism cyberspace feminist writing religion Italian science fiction film children’s literature video games and comic books
