Congratulations to
Kyle Arnold, Ph.D., a graduate of the LIU-Brooklyn PhD Program, on the recent
publication of his book on Philip K. Dick!
See information
below.
Widely recognized as one of the most
imaginative writers of the 20th century, Philip K. Dick helped to shape science
fiction into the popular genre it is today. His stories, renowned for their
sophisticated philosophical themes and startling portrayals of simulated
realities, inspired numerous television and film adaptations, including the
1982 cult classic Blade Runner.
Dick's personal life took on an otherwordly quality when, in 1974, he famously had a series of bizarre visions. According to Dick, a pink light beamed psychic information into his brain, awakening memories of a past life as an ancient Christian revolutionary and granting him contact with time-traveling extraterrestrials. He witnessed scenes from ancient Rome superimposed over his California neighborhood, and warned local police he was a dangerous machine programmed to self-destruct. After the visions faded, Philip K. Dick spent the rest of his life trying to fathom the meaning of what he called his "divine madness." Was it schizophrenia? Or a genuine religious experience? In The Divine Madness of Philip K. Dick, clinical psychologist Kyle Arnold probes the fascinating mystery of Dick's heart and mind, and shows readers how early traumas opened Dick to profound spiritual experiences while also predisposing him toward drug dependency and violence
Dick's personal life took on an otherwordly quality when, in 1974, he famously had a series of bizarre visions. According to Dick, a pink light beamed psychic information into his brain, awakening memories of a past life as an ancient Christian revolutionary and granting him contact with time-traveling extraterrestrials. He witnessed scenes from ancient Rome superimposed over his California neighborhood, and warned local police he was a dangerous machine programmed to self-destruct. After the visions faded, Philip K. Dick spent the rest of his life trying to fathom the meaning of what he called his "divine madness." Was it schizophrenia? Or a genuine religious experience? In The Divine Madness of Philip K. Dick, clinical psychologist Kyle Arnold probes the fascinating mystery of Dick's heart and mind, and shows readers how early traumas opened Dick to profound spiritual experiences while also predisposing him toward drug dependency and violence
"If you want to understand Philip
K. Dick, read Kyle Arnold's book." --Tessa B. Dick, wife of Philip K. Dick
"Arnold details the ways in which
awareness of Dick's childhood traumas and mystical visions broaden appreciation
of his work, its adaptations, and influence. Recommended for sf fans as well as
literary and academic audiences." --Library Journal
