Hypertext Criticism: Writing about Hypertext

Abstract

In the decade or so since the publication of the first hypertext fiction (Michael Joyce's afternoon, a story), hypertext fiction and electronic literature has developed immensely. Electronic literature today is hypertextual and more, finding inspiration in visual arts, animation, games and cinema. There is a solid and growing literature of hypertext theory and of new media theory. Writers use links confidently, and electronic literature has become widespread on the Web. Writing has met other modes of expression that, previously, were usually separated from literature: visual art, concept art, performance and games are as important as literature in many contemporary hypertexts.