Includes 400 alphabetically arranged entries on themes, followed by 200 alphabetically arranged entries on classic works of science fiction and fantasy, including novels, films, and television shows.
Foreword by Neil Gaiman Preface by Gary Westfahl Guide to Related Topics Volume 1: Themes A-K Volume 2: Themes L-Z Volume 3: Themes in Context: Classic Works Bibliography of Critical Works Index About the Editor and Contributors
Gary Westfahl is adjunct professor at the University of La Verne, CA. His previous books include No Cure for the Future (2002), Unearthly Visions (2002), Worlds Enough and Time (2002), Science Fiction, Canonization, Marginalization, and the Academy (2002), Science Fiction, Children's Literature, and Popular Culture (2000), Space and Beyond (2000), and Cosmic Engineers (1996), all available from Greenwood Press.
This fascinating and well-written encyclopedia consists of two
parts. The first part (volumes 1 and 2) takes 400 of the most
popular themes found in both science fiction and fantasy
literature, and puts them into historical and cultural context. The
second (volume 3) contains entries for a selected list of classic
novels, films, and television series; these include entries for all
the different Star Trek series, Dr. Who, Farscape, Buffy the
Vampire Slayer, The Twilight Zone, and The X-Files. The overall
value and usefulness of this set is greatly increased by the
treatment, within many of the individual entries, of how an
individual theme developed over time in a variety of different
science fiction and fantasy formats (short stories, novels, films,
television series, comics, computer games, etc.), and in material
that is outside the mainstream of science fiction and fantasy
(fairy tales, folk tales, historical events, operas, classic
literary works, etc.). A detailed index and extensive
cross-references make this set equally useful for novice readers
looking for more material on a particular theme and for
professional writers. Recommended. All levels.
*Choice*
This collection … is a veritable treasure trove for any reader or
writer who has ever wanted to expand their knowledge of Science
Fiction and Fantasy in various mediums… Gary Westfahl … has done a
fantastic job of compiling three reading companions on topics far
and wide, contributed by some of the best known and relevant
writers of our time in the genre… Whether your taste is toward
academic discussions or entertainment, the three volumes will
entertain and illuminate your way through a genre that has never
lost its appeal since it was officially given a shelf of its own.
And no matter how well versed you are on the topic, you're sure to
learn something new between the collective 2600 pages… I highly
recommend The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and
Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders. You'd be hard pressed to find
anything similar in book form that covers this much ground, and in
such fine fashion. The foreword by Neil Gaiman is simply the cherry
on the cake.
*Simulacrum*
[T]his will be a useful inclusion in a library reference section….
Westfahl has done an admirable job…
*English*
[T]he first reference work that gathers everything you need right
at your side with an overview, all in one place. More reliable than
Wikipedia with just enough detail to give you the knowledge you
need….Any library with a more than bare bones speculative fiction
collection needs this…[a]s does anyone who is more than simply a
fan of this literature….Westfahl should be quite proud of this
work!
*Green Man Reviews*
[A] brave, well-researched and substantial endeavour…
*Reference Reviews*
This is an authoritative and extensive survey of themes and classic
works of science fiction and fantasy stories, books, and themes.
The articles are very accessible as to readability, logical
arrangement, and print quality. Recommended.
*Library Media Connection*
[T]here is plenty here to enjoy and appreciate.
*Science Fiction Studies*
For readers of science fiction and fantasy, this is a guide to a
literary genre that the editor considers the most liberating and
expansive….[a] candidate for a shared purchase with the public
library.
*Reference for Students*
This is the wonderful sort of book that one keeps by the bedside,
or one's reading chair, dipping into it to read an entry or two
(and it's surprising how the hours can slip by as you follow the
thread of one entry to another and another…).[i]t's also the sort
of book that belongs in the homes of serious readers and writers of
the genre, rather than being something you have to make a trip to
the library to peruse. But investigate it you should, for it holds
a wonderful wealth of information….[t]his is truly an indispensable
reference tool.
*Fantasy & Science Fiction*
Science fiction and fantasy literture spark the imagination. This
source captures some of that spark by providing a scholarly
discussion of themes and classic works in both sci-fi and fantasy
literature….Written in a way that will be accessible to both
high-school, college, and adult readers, especially fans, it is
recommended for public and academic libaries.
*Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin*
In a field dominated with biographical guides, The Greenwood
Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy takes a thematic
approach. Instead of examining the creative development of
individual writers, the editors explore the treatment of 404 motifs
and themes in fantastic literature. From demons, elder races and
zombies to aliens, cyborgs and robots, a host of imaginary
creatures are surveyed. The tour of magical places and settings
stretches from lost worlds and visions of hell to black holes and
asteroids….[T]he Greenwood Encyclopedia breaks new ground with
essays on such broad themes as advertising, economics, evolution,
prison, torture and touch. The essays are excellent guides for
students seeking research topics, and each essay provides
suggestions for further investigation….[s]ets an excellent course
for exploring the larger themes of these popular genres of
literature.
*Lawrence Looks at Books*
The pithy and informative entries cover a lot of ground for both
film and print formats in about two pages. Each one includes an
overview paragraph; a survey of the theme with references to books,
films, and possibly television shows; a brief discussion of the
topic or classic under consideration; and a bibliography….With its
excellent organization and cross-referencing, concise entries, and
detailed index, The Greenwood Encyclopedia will be of interest to
fans or students of these genres.
*School Library Journal*
Over 400 entries cover all kinds of science fiction concerns, from
literature to film and TV, and enjoys contributions from well over
a hundred experts which discuss major genre themes, relates them to
modern works, and provides reference material suitable for either
browsing by genre fans or study by college-level literature majors.
Volume 1 holds the major themes from imaginary worlds to curses,
black holes and dragons; the second volume packs in related
sub-themes from lost worlds to mad scientists, and Volume 3
provides the detailed reference to over 200 works of science
fiction and fantasy by title. The overviews, bibliographies, and
discussions are important for any serious student of science
fiction and provide details on story variations and versions, major
writers and trends, and more.
*MBR Bookwatch*
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