Historical dictionary of science fiction in literature / M. Keith Booker.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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fiction literature also maintains a strong sense of its connections to science fiction of the past, which makes a historical reference of this sort particularly valuable as a tool for understanding science fiction literature as it now exists and as it has evolved over the years.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.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This new volume by Booker (Univ. of Arkansas) 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 (CH, Apr'05, 42-4370), 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 (CH, Apr'11, 48-4206). 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. --William L. Svitavsky, Rollins College