Science Fiction Writers Second Edition

Since the first edition was published in 1982, many new writers have joined the pantheon of greats in this genre. New classics have been discovered and unknown treasures that lay buried have been unearthed. Twenty new essays have been added on authors ranging from Gregory Benford and Katherine MacLean to Lucius Shepard and Gene Wolfe. In addition, 19 essays have been extensively revised. Pictures of most of the 96 authors have been added and the set has been reorganized in alphabetical order for ease of use.

Grade 8 Up-Bleiler has updated and added a number of articles to this previously published title (S & S, 1982; o.p.). Entries are arranged alphabetically and include both 19th- and 20th-century writers. Each lengthy essay provides biographical information, the historical and/or literary context of the author's work, synopses of major titles, critical commentary, and a selected bibliography listing books by and about the writer. Black-and-white photos of the subjects appear throughout. Some of the 23 authors new to this edition are Greg Bear, Octavia Butler, Orson Scott Card, C. J. Cherryh, Harry Harrison, Pat Murphy, Sherri S. Tepper, and Gene Wolfe. Significantly revised articles include those on Arthur C. Clarke, Robert A. Heinlein, Frank Herbert, Ursula K. Le Guin, H. P. Lovecraft, and Larry Niven. An extensive index includes the titles discussed in the entries. This useful resource will be especially appreciated where the genre is popular or a part of the curriculum.
Debbie Feulner, Northwest Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.