Genre is a librarian's tool, in my opinion, made to easily find thematically similar works. Sadly, both authors and critics take genre so seriously that they have the rest of us convinced.
In any case, what you're asking would require a universal definition of fantasy, which is something that hasn't yet been done, and probably won't be. You can't say, for example, that books that contain impossible situations, actions, characters, or creatures is fantasy, because there are so many books containing one or all of these that are considered Literature.
But you'll find plenty of people who disagree
In any case, what you're asking would require a universal definition of fantasy, which is something that hasn't yet been done, and probably won't be. You can't say, for example, that books that contain impossible situations, actions, characters, or creatures is fantasy, because there are so many books containing one or all of these that are considered Literature.
But you'll find plenty of people who disagree

It's just that you go into any library, any bookstore, go online, and people organize by these man made genres, but then you'll find something like I just did... a vampire book in the "literature" section, when there is a corresponding Vampire Subsection in the Fantasy section of the store. I wonder why some vampire books are listed as Fantasy, but this one series is listed in Literature.
I was Phelix on wotmania, I will always be Phelix in the "real" world, and now I am Phelix on RAFO.
You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true and also fierce you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.- Churchill
*MySmiley*
You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true and also fierce you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.- Churchill
*MySmiley*
Categorizing of fiction books...
21/12/2009 07:42:29 AM
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There isn't one.
21/12/2009 11:40:31 AM
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I guess you have a point...
21/12/2009 09:51:54 PM
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This is down to the USA not having a separate horror section, I believe.
22/12/2009 03:25:04 AM
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Um...?
22/12/2009 04:08:50 AM
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That is not standard in all the larger bookstore chains... Barnes & Noble and Borders in particular.
22/12/2009 02:53:13 PM
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So why does King get to be "literature"...
22/12/2009 07:31:14 PM
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Most likely because of the money and movies associated with his name...
22/12/2009 07:46:14 PM
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So exposure makes something literary?
22/12/2009 08:06:27 PM
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I have always seen King in the horror section, never in literature. *shrugs*
23/12/2009 04:06:47 AM
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Aside from Barnes & Noble and Borders and Books-A-Million, maybe I guess?
22/12/2009 05:55:20 AM
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Not Borders. They have always had a separate horror shelf next to fantasy/sci-fi. *NM*
23/12/2009 04:03:27 AM
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Whoa, dude. We've been in a Borders together! *NM*
23/12/2009 03:43:11 PM
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It's true! (you might want to get tested... the last girl I went to Borders with had warts.
) *NM*
23/12/2009 05:20:54 PM
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LOL! I miss you, baby!
*NM*
24/12/2009 03:28:16 AM
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Miss you too sugar.
24/12/2009 03:31:04 AM
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You never do!
24/12/2009 11:52:05 PM
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