American Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers

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This entry in the Collective Biographies series contains profiles of 10 noted genre writers: Heinlein, Asimov, Pohl, Bradbury, Herbert, Anderson, Norton, L'Engle, Le Guin, and Butler. Each 10-page chapter traces a writer's life, briefly describes particular books, tells what awards have been won, and provides black-and-white photos of the subject. Though somewhat pedestrian in style, the brief biographies offer grist for report writers and can serve as an introduction to some of the greats in the field. Chapter notes; further reading; Internet addresses; bibliography. Sally Estes


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Following a brief historical introduction, this title from the Collective Biographies series presents renowned science fiction writers beginning with "professional prophet" Robert Heinlein, the first American science fiction writer published in general magazines. All ten writers were selected for their significant contributions to the modern science fiction genre: Russian immigrant Isaac Asimov became "one of the most influential writers in America," publishing over five hundred books; Frederik Pohl, tireless editor, agent, and prolific writer, won the only American Book Award given to science fiction; Ray Bradbury, one-time comic skit writer, concerned with using science to shape a better future; Frank Herbert, reporter and editor with ecological concerns; Poul Anderson, whose research and scientific detail "set high standards"; Andre Norton, a woman writing under a man's name with a female viewpoint, concentrating on nonviolence; Madeleine L'Engle, Newbery Medal winner for A Wrinkle in Time; Ursula Le Guin, whose work combines romance, fantasy, mythology, philosophy, science fiction, and historical fiction; and Octavia Butler, MacArthur Fellow and the first African American woman to gain fame as a science fiction writer. The direct writing style employs short, simple sentences, making this a useful resource for students with reading difficulties. The biographies draw on a variety of resources, including the more comprehensive and critical Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Writers (Gale, 1994/VOYA August 1995), all of which are well documented. While recognizing the many notable achievements of these significant writers, Datnow portrays each as an interesting individual whose accomplishments are the result of pursuing personal conviction and passion. Young SF aficionados will appreciate this glimpse into the lives of a few of their favorite authors-and may discover a few new ones as well. Editor's Note: The title of this volume is slightly misleading, because only Le Guin and L'Engle have written fantasy. All authors covered would more accurately be considered science fiction writers. Index. Photos. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. VOYA Codes: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects, Will appeal with pushing, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8 and Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9).


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