Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Hypertext fiction


Hypertext fiction is a genre of electronic literature, characterized by the use of hypertext links which provides a new context for non-linearity in "literature" and reader interaction. The reader typically chooses links to move from one node of text to the next, and in this fashion arranges a story from a deeper pool of potential stories. Its spirit can also be seen in interactive fiction.

The term can also be used to describe traditionally-published books in which a non-linear and interactive narrative is achieved through internal references. Vladimir Nabokov's Pale Fire (1962) and Julio Cortázar's Rayuela (1963; translated as Hopscotch) are early examples (predating the word hypertext), while a common pop-culture example is the "Choose Your Own Adventure" format of young adult fiction.

--Wikipedia


Never read any? You should give it a try. Hyperizons (Duke Univ.) has a directory pointing to some on the web.

Steve Ersinghaus won a prize in UK for his hypertext novel, The Life of Geronimo Sandoval (Windows and Mac versions).

Eastgate Systems is the leading publisher of serious hypertext.

To my knowledge, a hypertext literature class has never be taught at Portland State University. I think I'll check it out.

And hyperdrama is even more invisible than hypertext fiction.

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