Mechanics of Wonder: The Creation of the Idea of Science Fiction

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is a sustained argument about the idea of science fiction by a renowned critic. Overturning many received opinions and sacred cows, it is both controversial and stimulating. Much of the controversy arises from Westfahl's resurrection of Hugo Gernsback - for decades a largely derided figure - as the true creator of science fiction. Following an initial demolition of earlier critics, Westfahl argues for Gernsback's importance. His argument is fully documented, showing a much greater familiarity with early American science fiction, particularly magazine fiction, than previous academic critics or historians. After his initial chapters on Gernsback, he examines the way in which the Gernsback tradition was adopted and modified by later magazine editors and early critics. This involves a re-evaluation of the importance of John W. Campbell to the history of science fiction which is possibly as important as his re-evaluation of Gernsback, as well as a very interesting critique of Robert Heinlein's Beyond the Horizon, one of the seminal texts of American science fiction. In conclusion, Westfahl uses the theories of Gernsback and Campbell to develop a descriptive definition of science fiction and he explores the ramifications of that definition.

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews

In his "true history of science fiction," Westfahl (U. of California- Riverside), columnist for Interzone magazine and author of several books on this genre, makes a case for Hugo Gernsback's Ralph 124C 41+: A Romance of the Year 2660 (1925) as being the science fiction novel that launched the genre. The author also evaluates the importance of John W. Campbell's theories, and critiques Heinlein's Beyond the Horizon. Name index only. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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