Science Fiction Literature through History: An Encyclopedia [2 volumes]

by Gary Westfahl

Overview

This book provides students and other interested readers with a comprehensive survey of science fiction history and numerous essays addressing major science fiction topics, authors, works, and subgenres written by a distinguished scholar.

This encyclopedia deals with written science fiction in all of its forms, not only novels and short stories but also mediums often ignored in other reference books, such as plays, poems, comic books, and graphic novels. Some science fiction films, television programs, and video games are also mentioned, particularly when they are relevant to written texts. Its focus is on science fiction in the English language, though due attention is given to international authors whose works have been frequently translated into English.

Since science fiction became a recognized genre and greatly expanded in the 20th century, works published in the 20th and 21st centuries are most frequently discussed, though important earlier works are not neglected. The texts are designed to be helpful to numerous readers, ranging from students first encountering science fiction to experienced scholars in the field.

• Provides readers with information about written science fiction in all its forms—novels, stories, plays, poems, comic books, and graphic novels
• Includes original interviews with major writers like Ted Chiang, Samuel R. Delany, Kim Stanley Robinson, and Connie Willis that are not available elsewhere
• Features numerous sidebars with additional data about various subjects and key passages from several classic works
• Includes hundreds of bibliographies of sources that provide additional information on various specific topics and the genre of science fiction as a whole

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440866166
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/19/2021
Pages:	824
Product dimensions:	7.35(w) x 10.45(h) x 2.25(d)

About the Author

Gary Westfahl is professor emeritus at the University of La Verne and the author or editor of 30 books about science fiction and fantasy, including ABC-CLIO's The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Editorial Reviews

"Westfahl’s clear and lively presentation and comprehensive knowledge and background will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as students (middle school through college) who are researching specific sci-fi authors, works, or themes." - Library Journal

"The mix of broad-scope essays and specific topical entries results in a satisfying and balanced sf encyclopedia that should have wide readership." - Booklist

"Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates." - Choice

From the Publisher

10/01/2021

Westfahl (literature, Univ. of La Verne, CA; editor of The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy) has written widely on science fiction, but his new guide consists of totally new content, beginning with a series of historical essays putting the genre in perspective—from "Science Fiction in the Ancient World and the Middle Ages" to "Science Fiction in the Twenty-First Century." These are followed by thematic essays about the natural sciences and science fiction; literature, films, and television; fine art and graphic novels; gender and sexuality; racial issues in the genre; global science fiction; and more. Alphabetical entries, which comprise the bulk of the two-volume set, discuss authors of science fiction (Isaac Asimov, Octavia Butler, Olaf Stapledon, Roger Zelazny); writers outside the genre who significantly influenced the form (Aristophanes, Franz Kafka, William Shakespeare); subgenres (Black science fiction, gay and lesbian science fiction, space opera, steampunk); particular motifs (androids, extraterrestrial worlds, virtual reality, zombies); and major works (novels Flatland and A Canticle for Leibowitz, TV program Doctor Who, and sci-fi predecessors The Divine Comedy, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and The Odyssey). Entries often include boxed sidebars and brief interviews with many of the living authors. VERDICT Although there are other similar guides to science fiction (from Routledge and Cambridge, for example), Westfahl's clear and lively presentation and comprehensive knowledge and background will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as students (middle school through college) who are researching specific sci-fi authors, works, or themes.—Marcia G. Welsh, formerly at Dartmouth Coll. Lib., Hanover, NH

Library Journal