"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The intelligent use of illustrations in this work truly demonstrates the old maxim that a picture is worth a thousand words. Clute is very clever in selecting just the right images to illustrate his theme. For example, in the section titled "The 1900s: The Future of the City" are juxtaposed drawings of future cities as seen by H. G. Wells and Winsor McCay with views of New York City in ruins from John Ames Mitchell's The Last American. Clute includes photographs or sketches of authors, stills from movies and TV programs, and covers of magazines and books to show the depth and range of science fiction literature. He also makes effective use of chronology to show both the history of science fiction and contemporary world events that affected the writers. A brilliant illustration of this technique is the section on the years 1940^-49, which recounts World War II with Pearl Harbor, atomic weapons, paper shortages, and such publications as The Gremlins and such movies as The Purple Monster Strikes and Superman.
The section on authors is one of the book's greatest strengths. Following a picture of the author, and his or her dates, nationality, other names, and key works, an essay characterizing the author's work is interspersed with book covers and a boxed bibliography giving date, title, and publisher. For major authors such as Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and Arthur C. Clarke, the coverage is more than two pages. Newer authors such as David Brin and Connie Willis are given about half a page.
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, which Clute coauthored with Peter Nicholls, is more scholarly and more detailed but does not have any illustrations. Libraries that own the earlier encyclopedia may not need to buy the illustrated one, but it would be a shame to deprive readers of this attractive volume. It is highly recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 6.00
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Book Description Hardback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR001364874
Book Description Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780751302028
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Science fiction gives us different perspectives on our lives and the world, and allows us to escape from the present. For these reasons, the genre has attracted a huge and devoted audience worldwide. Dealing with the history of science fiction from its earliest beginnings to its latest developments, The Encyclopaedia of Science Fiction is a visual reference book on this subject. It shows how the future has been envisioned by science fiction writers and illustrators throughout the decades, and the influences that shaped their visions. It also traces the history of science fiction against the background of its times, through decade-by-decade time charts that cover books, magazines, films and historical events. Each chart is followed by a visual exploration of the major concerns of that decade. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001088636
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780751302028
Book Description Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbb0024107679
Book Description Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP29724125
Book Description Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 41090590-75
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 41250172-20
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # mon0001673721
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_336404299