Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts)

"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. It provides an account of the major authors of works marketed under the genre label, various subgenres perceptible within the commercial genre, significant sf magazines and their editors, and neologisms coined by genre writers. Included are entries on authors of works of science-based speculative fiction that were, for one reason or another, spared the indignity of the genre label, and on authors in the fields of science and technology which have been particularly prolific in provoking such speculation. The list of acronyms and abbreviations, chronology covering the literature from the 1700s through the present, introductory essay, and dictionary entries provide science fiction novices and enthusiasts as well as serious writers and critics with a foundation for understanding the realm of science fiction literature. The bibliography includes books, journals, fanzines, and websites."--Jacket.