This book presents a definition of literary postmodernism using detective and science fictions
as a frame. Through an exploration of both prior theoretical approaches and indicators through
characteristics of postmodernist fiction this book identifies a structural framework to both
understand and apply the lessons of postmodernism for the next generation. Within a growing
consensus that the postmodern era has passed this book examines the different conceptions of
postmodernism and posits a meaningful definition one which can provide the foundation for
future literary expression. This theory is then applied to genre fiction particularly
detective fiction and science fiction demonstrating that postmodernism is found in the
structure rather than questions posed about literary expression. Finally Matthias Stephan
considers post-postmodern movements and how they can be expressed given this definition of
literary postmodernism moving forward to the twenty-first century.
