The Issue at Hand. Studies in Contemporary Magazine Science Fiction

James Blish (as William Atheling Jr.)

ISBN 10: 0911682171 / ISBN 13: 9780911682175

Published by Advent: Publishers Inc, 1974

About this Item

2nd printing. A straight, clean, unread copy with a very light darkening of the spine.

Seller Inventory # 000816

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Issue at Hand. Studies in Contemporary Magazine Science Fiction
• Publisher: Advent: Publishers Inc
• Publication Date: 1974
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0911682171
• ISBN 13: 9780911682175
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Printing: 2nd Printing
• Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

From 1952 to 1963 the most penetrating critic of the field of magazine science fiction was known as "William Atheling, Jr." Guessing his real identity was not easy, because his dissection did not spare even his other ego, noted s-f author James Blish. Shedding his protective covering, Mr. Blish assembled many of the Atheling papers and edited them into this book. It is virtually a text for would-be writers of science fiction. Nor is its value limited to that genre; the rules of good writing are universal, and Atheling's critiques are not restricted to the peculiarities and special interests of science fiction. These essays take aspiring authors and editors by the hand and lead them painstakingly through the dense forests of "said-bookism," the treacherous moors of "repetitive phrasing," and other forbidden territories. And even old hands will find cause to wonder and reflect, and perhaps even to re-evaluate professional skills too long taken for granted. No subject is too sacred or taboo for Atheling's shredding typewriter; from sex to God, from religion to satirical poetry. No author is spared the bloody mark of his relentless lash; from Anderson to Heinlein to Zirul. No editor or publisher is spared his--or its--due share of responsibility. But most importantly, The Issue at Hand is not just--or even primarily--a textbook for students of writing. It is a vastly entertaining collection in its own right, affording many hours of pleasant informative reading and re-reading, urging the reader ahead with the wry comments, unexpected humor, and undeviating attention to standards that were the hallmarks of William Atheling, Jr.