Fantasy literature is hugely popular amongst readers worldwide yet has long been shunned by literary critics. Why Are Critics Afraid of Dragons? examines the reasons for this neglect, and presents a new critical paradigm for understanding and valuing genre fantasy on its own terms. The book answers questions such as, what is the relationship between fantasy and medieval romance? Why do some critics see fantasy as a cult? Is there a link between fantasy and environmentalism? By examining the social contexts of fantasy from fairytales to the mass-market genre, the book draws innovative conclusions about fantasys place in the field of literature and its relevance to contemporary audiences. It is the first study of its kind, combining critiques of fantasy from Coleridge to Tolkien, Todorov and Le Guin with cultural criticism and ecofeminism, reconstructing fantasy as a complex field of cultural production. It presents a substantial contribution to theories of fantasy literature, offering historical perspectives and critical insights into the scholarly heritage of fantasy, and will be a useful resource to students and researchers of popular culture and appeal to a general readership.