"Science fiction literature, also known as sci-fi and sf, is one of the more recent and popular genres. It only truly emerged during the 20th century and has not stopped growing in terms of authors, titles, and readers. It has also evolved into a variety of subgenres, ranging from hard sf to soft sf and utopias to dystopias, with more than a smattering of horror, detective, war, and feminist titles. Stableford covers all of this and more, taking a close look at what has become a booming industry, with specialized writers, publishers, and fan magazines and literature from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and many other countries. The chronology charts the genre's dazzling growth; the introduction provides exceptional insight into what science fiction literature is all about; and the dictionary section examines writers, books, themes, and other specifics."--BOOK JACKET.

This reference tracks the development of speculative fiction influenced by the advancement of science and the idea of progress from the eighteenth century to the present day. The major authors and publications of the genre and significant subgenres are covered. Additionally there are entries on fields of science and technology which have been particularly prolific in provoking such speculation. The list of acronyms and abbreviations, the chronology covering the literature from the 1700s through the present, the introductory essay, and the dictionary entries provide science fiction novices and enthusiasts as well as serious writers and critics with a wonderful foundation for understanding the realm of science fiction literature. The extensive bibliography that includes books, journals, fanzines, and websites demonstrates that science fiction literature commands a massive following.

Many readers are unaware of the vast universe of Latin American science fiction, which has its roots in the 18th century and has flourished to the present day. Because science fiction is part of Latin American popular culture, it reflects cultural and social concerns and comments on contemporary society. While there is a growing body of criticism on Latin American science fiction, most studies treat only a single author or work. This reference offers a broad overview of Latin American science fiction. Included are alphabetically arranged entries on 70 Latin American science fiction writers. While some of these are canonical figures, others have been largely neglected. Since much of science fiction has been written by women, many women writers are profiled. Each entry is prepared by an expert contributor and includes a short biography, a discussion of the writer's works, and primary and secondary bibliographies. The volume closes with a general bibliography of anthologies and criticism.

For every science fiction fan, Pringle has compiled descriptions, reviews, and ratings of more than 3,000 science fiction books. Includes a unique rating system, brief statements and reviews by critics, and a guide to sequels, related titles, and film versions.

"Fifty great works of science fiction"--Cover.

Stableford provides an invaluable guide to this sequence of events and to the current state of the field. The dictionary includes cross-referenced entries on more than 700 authors, ranging across the entire historical spectrum, while more than 200 other entries describe the fantasy subgenres, key images in fantasy literature, technical terms used in fantasy criticism, and the intimately convoluted relationship between literary fantasies, scholarly fantasies, and lifestyle fantasies.