Overview

The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction in Literature is a useful reference to the broad and burgeoning field of science fiction literature. Science fiction literature has gained immensely in critical respect and attention, while maintaining a broad readership. However, despite the fact that it is a rapidly changing field, contemporary science fiction literature also maintains a strong sense of its connections to science fiction of the past, which makes a historical reference of this sort particularly valuable as a tool for understanding science fiction literature as it now exists and as it has evolved over the years. The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction in Literature covers the history of science fiction in literature through a chronology, an introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries including ·significant people; ·themes; ·critical issues; and ·the most significant genres that have formed science fiction literature. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about this subject.

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9780810878839

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Reviews

This new volume by Booker in the 'Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts' series is a worthy successor to Brian Stableford's earlier Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature, reprinted in paperback as The A to Z of Science Fiction Literature. The entry for Stableford describes that book as 'the first edition,' suggesting that this volume was conceived as a second edition despite its slightly different title. This dictionary offers more current information, drawing on the author's considerable scholarship in the genre and nicely complementing his earlier volume in this series, The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Cinema. Alphabetically arranged entries cover topics including authors, subgenres, tropes, awards, organizations, and significant publications. Though its emphasis is on literature in English, attention is given to global science fiction. The introduction provides a concise overview of science fiction, including other media. A chronology covers works and events shaping the genre from the 18th century to the present. An extensive bibliography is arranged by topic, including thematic studies, national literatures, and individual authors. Though accessible to the general reader, this reference work is well-tailored to the needs of the science fiction scholar. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty; researchers; general readers. CHOICE The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction in Literature is a wonderful reference book covering the topic of science fiction as it relates to literature. The book starts with a chronology that takes the reader step by step through the development of science fiction from it's very beginning right up to the present...It is a very comprehensive and well researched reference tool. Everything is cross referenced throughout so as you are doing research you are constantly being guided to other topics to expand upon your knowledge. It is a fun book just to open to any page and pick up a bit of information about a person or thing in the science fiction field. The biographies of the authors are particular interest to me because I enjoy learning about people...This is an ideal reference book for students, teachers and writers in general...It is well worth adding to your bookshelf if you are a fan or writer of sci-fi. Scared Stiff Reviews

The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction in Literature is a wonderful reference book covering the topic of science fiction as it relates to literature. The book starts with a chronology that takes the reader step by step through the development of science fiction from it's very beginning right up to the present...It is a very comprehensive and well researched reference tool. Everything is cross referenced throughout so as you are doing research you are constantly being guided to other topics to expand upon your knowledge. It is a fun book just to open to any page and pick up a bit of information about a person or thing in the science fiction field. The biographies of the authors are particular interest to me because I enjoy learning about people...This is an ideal reference book for students, teachers and writers in general...It is well worth adding to your bookshelf if you are a fan or writer of sci-fi. Scared Stiff Reviews

Author Information

M. Keith Booker is professor of English and director of the Program in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies at the University of Arkansas. He has published widely on modern literature, popular culture, and literary theory.

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