Science Fiction
General Works
Anatomy of Wonder: a critical guide to science fiction,
edited by Neil Barron. 4th ed. (New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker, 1995) *RS-NAL
95-6057. The most recent edition of this standard reference work, in
addition to the usual comprehensive annotated bibliographical essays, includes
new chapters on SF comic books, SF poetry and teaching classes on SF. Important
appendices include Convention listings and a theme bibliography. The earlier
editions (1976, 1981, 1987) each contain valuable information on the history
of science fiction and can be found in CATNYP. Two titles, done in a similar
format, cover areas closely related to science fiction; Fantasy Literature:
a reader's guide, edited by Neil Barron. (New York:Garland Pub.,1990).
*RS-NAL 90-1799 and Horror Literature:a readers guide,
edited by Neil Barron. (New York: Garland Pub.,1990) *RS-NAL 90-2346.
Bleiler, E.F. Science fiction: the early years (Kent, OH:
Kent State University Press, 1990). *RS-NAL 91-4116. Presents story
synopsis and brief critical commentary on over 3000 novels and short stories
written before 1930. Scope includes dime novels, plays, Victorian periodicals
and much more. Includes motif and theme index, date index, magazine index,
title and author index and a bibliography of sources.
Encyclopedia of science fiction, edited by John Clute and
Peter Nicholls. (London: Orbit, 1993) *R-NAL 93-9106. Earlier edition:
Encyclopedia of science fiction: an illustrated A to Z, edited
by Peter Nicholls. (London: Granada, 1979) JFF 90-1412. Both editions
of this classic reference volume are valuable for coverage of authors, titles,
themes, SF history, movies, comic books, awards and many other topics. Good
for identifying and verifying information covering the early years of SF.
Theme essays are particularly informative. Although the 1993 edition contains
expanded essays and updated information the 1979 edition is valuable for
its rare illustrations which were not retained in the 1993 edition.
Green, Scott E. Contemporary science fiction, fantasy and horror
poetry (New York: Greenwood Press, 1989) *R-NAL 90-425. So
far the only reference volume dedicated to this subject. Includes a brief
historical overview, bibliography of major anthologies, biographical directory
of major poets and a guide to publishers in the field. Appendix. Index.
Science fiction, fantasy and horror: a comprehensive bibliography
of books and short fiction published in the English language, edited
by Charles N. Brown and Willian G. Contento (Oakland,CA: Locus Press, 1986-)
*RS-NAL 88-2860 An annual compilation based on review material published
in the periodical Locus. Includes contents of new anthologies,
and SF story magazines. Appendices include book, cinema, and short fiction
summaries, and a publishers directory. Since 1990 cover artists of publications
and updates of Hal W. Halls' Science fiction and fantasy reference
index have been included.
