History of Science Fiction FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
Perhaps no genre of literature has such avid fans as science fiction. The fact that thousands of people will travel across the country to attend conventions dedicated to science fiction films, series or collections bespeaks the draw that this creative field has upon the public. In the past, writers such as Jules Verne, H. G. Wells and Arthur Conan Doyle thrilled readers. More recently, authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark, Robert Henlein and Larry Niven have provided readers with glimpses into a surreal world of science and fantasy. Films such as Star Wars, Forbidden Planet, 2001 and The Matrix have drawn audiences thirsting for action and adventure. Television programs like Star Trek, The Outer Limits, and Deep Space 9 have been viewed by millions of people with an interest in possible life beyond our planet. In this history of the field of science fiction, all of these mediums are addressed in an entertaining and creative manner. Readers are provided a historical look at the diverse fields within which artists have attempted to interpret the future. Particular attention is paid to books and films but additional focus is given to science fiction art, marketing and future directions. This is a book that any science fiction fan will enjoy. 2001, Franklin Watts, $28.00 and $13.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
VOYA - Marsha Valance
This well-written overview of the science fiction genre for junior high students is divided into topical chapters such as "What Is Science Fiction," "The Birth of Science Fiction," and "Science Fiction Art," with each topic covered comprehensively within the limited number of pages. There are a few obvious omissions�Will F. Jenkins is not connected to his better-known pen-name, Murray Leinster, which is misspelled in both text and index. Moreover, nowhere is Arthur C. Clarke given credit for visualizing the communications satellite in 1949. The writing is accessible for the target audience, but enough information is included that older readers would find it interesting and useful as well. The illustrations are well chosen, although it would have been nice to see work by Virgil Finlay, Chesley Bonestell, Frank Kelly Freas, and Michael Whelan displayed when their art is discussed. The listing of Hugo and Nebula Award winners is useful, and the recommended readings are well selected. This solid, useful book should appeal to any fan of science fiction who is curious to learn more about the genre. It belongs in every junior high and high school library with a significant number of SF readers. Index. Illus. Photos. Biblio. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P J S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Franklin Watts, 144p,
School Library Journal
Gr 5-7-Simplistic, dated, and shot through with factual errors and debatable generalizations, this literary and thematic survey falls well below usual standards. Miller kites through speculative fiction's first 1500 or so years, pausing to misinform readers that 17th-century scientists "were free to openly share their discoveries" (tell that to Galileo!), surveying early modern SF from Frankenstein to the rise of dime novels, and on to the ensuing "Golden Age." Then, a chapter laughably entitled "Science Fiction Today" introduces such up-and-coming authors as Frank Herbert, Joan D. Vinge, Terry Pratchett, and Diana Wynne Jones. After covering SF films and TV in 12 pages and tallying the genre's major themes-rarely if ever using examples newer than the early 1990s-Miller opens a concluding essay disparaging science fiction's predictive abilities with the eyebrow-raising assertion that "there have been more science fiction books accepted as good literature than in any other category of fiction." The muddy, infrequent black-and-white illustrations include lurid old magazine covers, aging paperback reprints, and familiar stills from classic movies. As incorrect statements about Alfred Bester's The Demolished Man and Hal Clement's Mission of Gravity show, Miller is not as familiar with the books he mentions as he might be, and virtually none of the titles on his concluding list of recommended reading are newer than 15 years old. Wait for a more authoritative, up-to-date history.-John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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