Women of Wonder: The Classic Years: Science Fiction by Women from the 1940s to the 1970s

From Publishers Weekly
It's no revelation that men make up the majority of science fiction authors and audiences, but female authors have made substantial contributions to the genre and are becoming increasingly important. In the '70s, Sargent edited three Women of Wonder anthologies, and 18 writers from this original trio (some with new stories) are joined here by three newcomers to the series, to give an eye-opening overview of science fiction and women between 1944 and 1978. Exploring topics such as prejudice, child abuse, vanity, stereotypes, aging, rape, obesity and insanity, stories by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Zenna Henderson, Kit Reed, Kate Wilhelm, Joan Vinge, the pseudonymous James Tiptree Jr. and others are as disconcerting as they are intriguing. Judith Merril's "That Only a Mother" capitalizes on the fear of nuclear warfare as a new mother deals with the effects of radiation in her own unique way. Anne McCaffrey's "The Ship Who Sang" carries the idea that ships are feminine one step further when a spaceship falls in love with her pilot. Sargent highlights the history of women in science fiction in an information-packed introduction. In addition, notes about each author and an extensive bibliography will satisfy the curiosity of those wanting additional information on this topic. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Based on one of the most popular SF anthologies of all time, which dispelled the notion that women don’t write “real” science fiction, this volume features stories by twenty-one seminal SF writers. Included are works by Leigh Brackett, C. L. Moore, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Judith Merril. Introduction and Bibliography by the Editor.



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The companion volume to Women of Wonder, the Classic Years showcases SF short stories published from 1978 through 1993, and like that volume requires that each story be by a woman and that female characters play important roles. Pat Cadigan, Nancy Kress, Rebecca Ore, Connie Willis and editor Sargent are among the 21 writers represented in this compilation. The conquest of Earth by malevolent aliens who take over the bodies of patients resuscitated from cryogenic suspension demonstrates Tanith Lee's creativity with an otherwise familiar theme in ``The Thaw.'' Lisa Goldstein ponders society's view of the elderly when ``Midnight News'' places Earth's fate in the hands of a neglected and senile nursing home resident. For a change of pace, Suzy McKee Charnas's ``Scorched Supper on New Niger'' offers a rambunctious ride to a planet inhabited by the descendants and traditions of tribal Africa. Like its sister, this collection is accompanied by an informative introduction and bibliography. It's important to point out that one doesn't need to be a woman to enjoy these books-they should be essential reading for any serious SF fan. (July)


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