Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts

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fiction literature also maintains a strong sense of its connections to science fiction of the past, which makes a historical reference of this sort particularly valuable as a tool for understanding science fiction literature as it now exists and as it has evolved over the years.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

"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.