Academic, critic, and librarian specializing in science fiction and fantasy literature, known for her insightful reviews and critiques that shaped the genre.
Fiona Kelleghan, a renowned American academic and critic, has made a significant impact in the realm of science fiction and fantasy. Specializing in the genre, she has established herself as an expert in humor in genre fiction, earning praises from critics like Michael Dirda.
Fiona Kelleghan was born on April 21, 1965, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Paul G. Feehan, a librarian and writer, and Jane Fairfax Ream Feehan, a law school financial administrator and later librarian. The second of three children, Kelleghan's early life was shaped by her parents' relocation to Miami, where they both worked at the University of Miami.
Kelleghan graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest, Florida, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Miami. She further pursued her education, earning a Master of Arts in English from the University of Miami and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Florida State University.
Kelleghan's expertise in science fiction, fantasy, and horror led her to become the official expert in these genres at the University of Miami. Her work extends beyond academia, with a strong presence in film critique, both within and outside the science fiction genre. Her interests also venture into ethology, the study of animal behavior.
Her most notable work, The Savage Humanists, is a critical anthology that explores the secular, satiric literary movement within the science fiction genre, which she has coined as "Savage Humanism." This anthology features stories by prominent authors, including Gregory Frost, James Patrick Kelly, and Connie Willis, with introductions by Kelleghan herself.
Kelleghan's essay, "A Definition of Savage Humanism, with Autobiographical Anecdotes," forms the core of The Savage Humanists. This 17,000-word essay delves into the intricacies of Savage Humanism, providing a comprehensive definition of the movement and its practitioners. The essay was later reprinted as the cover story in the November 2008 edition of The New York Review of Science Fiction.
Fiona Kelleghan's contributions to the world of science fiction and fantasy have had a lasting impact on the genre. Her work has inspired a new wave of writers and critics, encouraging them to explore the complexities of humor in genre fiction. Her commitment to the field has earned her recognition as a leading expert in her domain.
Through her work, Kelleghan has not only expanded our understanding of science fiction and fantasy but has also challenged our perceptions of the genre, inspiring new perspectives and interpretations. Her legacy continues to shape the world of science fiction, ensuring her place as a prominent figure in the field.
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