The Routledge Concise History of Science Fiction

by Mark Bould, Sherryl Vint

The term science fiction has an established common usage, but close examination reveals that writers, fans, editors, scholars, and publishers often use this word in different ways for different reasons. Exploring how science fiction has emerged through competing versions and the struggle to define its limits, this Concise Historyprovides an accessible and clear overview of the development of the genre traces the separation of sf from a broader fantastic literature and the simultaneous formation of neighbouring genres, such as fantasy and horror shows the relationship between magazine and paperback traditions in sf publishing is organised by theme and presented chronologically uses text boxes throughout to highlight key works in sf traditions including dystopian, apocalyptic and evolutionary fiction includes a short overview and bullet-pointed conclusion for each chapter.Discussing the place of key works and looking forward to the future of the genre, this book is the ideal starting point both for students and all those seeking a better understanding of science fiction.

Genres: Science Fiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kamakana · Rating 2 out of 5]

130411: this is no more and no less than its title: a history, not theory, of science fiction primarily from an Anglo-American pov. so, there are some titles, some politics, of each decade or era.

[Francis Fabian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Interesting essays for the most part. But also a little dry in places. But it is an academic book so that is to be expected.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This survey of sf is extremely thorough and gave me a great idea of the history of English-language sf. Be ready to learn a lot and end up with a list a mile long of books to check out.

My only complaint was how often I'd have to skip paragraphs to avoid spoilers on books I was planning to read. Would have been nice to have some sort of spoiler indicator especially on newer books.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not managed to read it thouroughly but it was a wonderful read. I would love to aquire my own copy eventually. It cleverly lists a number of branches all stemming from Science Fiction; but it's origins are restricted to the American pulp magazines. Above all, my reading list has markedly shot up.