Editing the Soul

Editing the Soul by Everett Hamner explores the intersection of bioengineering and popular culture. This work of literary criticism examines how advancements in genetics and genomics, such as gene editing and synthetic life, blur the lines between scientific fact and science fiction. By analyzing the genome age, Hamner demonstrates how the relationship between science and storytelling is reciprocal, shaping how society perceives human personhood.

The text analyzes the influence of biomedical technology on film, television, and literature, including the works of Margaret Atwood and Richard Powers. Through the lens of science fiction and fantasy, Editing the Soul investigates how these narratives influence the adoption of new technologies and redefine the boundaries between the natural and the artificial. This comprehensive study integrates perspectives from life sciences and performing arts to examine the cultural impact of genetic engineering.