This collection of essays displays the talent and insight that make the Panshins the obvious and worthy successors to Damon Knight and James Blish in the field of science fiction and fantasy criticism. The Panshins document the evolution of a new and fruitful paradigm and offer a challenge to all conventional opinion about science fiction. They demonstrate that the conception of science fiction as fiction about science was fatally compromised from the outset. They trace the continuity of science fiction with man's most ancient and meaningful stories, the great fantasy of the past, and find this continuity in symbols of transcendent mystery. Nearly half of this book is devoted to studying the works of Robert Heinlein, extending and reconsidering the analysis begun in Heinlein in Dimension, and concluding with a long discussion of "The Number of the Beast--." The Panshin team applies theories of human psychological development to show the deeper meanings of the stories of Heinlein and other authors. They say: "In the mirror of a science fiction story may be seen a reflection of the author. In the mirror of science fiction stories may be seen a reflection of an era. And in our reading of science fiction--the stories we choose and what we make of them--may be seen a reflection of ourselves. We read science fiction to know ourselves better."
Science fiction constitutes one of the largest and most widely read genres in literature, and this reference provides bibliographical data on some 20,000 science fiction, fantasy, and horror fiction books, as well as nonfiction monographs about the literature. A companion to Reginald's Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature, 1700-1974 (Gale, 1979), the present volume is alphabetically arranged by approximately 10,000 author names. The entry for each individual work includes title, publisher, date and place published, number of pages, hardbound or paperback format, and type of book (novel, anthology, etc.). Where appropriate, entries also provide translation notes, series information, pseudonyms, and remarks on special features (such as celebrity introductions). Includes indexes of titles, series, awards, and "doubles" (for locating volumes containing two novels). Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.
A major triumph of historical fiction, The Druid King, is a masterly retelling of the life of the legendary general Vercingetorix and his brilliant crusade against the Roman invasion of Gaul.Vercingetorix was both a man of myth and a real historical figure—he managed, where others had failed, to unite the tribes of Gaul and lead them against the might of the entire Roman empire. After watching his father’s harrowing death, young Vercingetorix retreats to the forest where he learns the ways of the druids. Soon he must return to civilization to reclaim his birthright and his father’s honor, but the city of his birth has changed. Now, he must confront the greatest military power the world has even known--the Roman legions of Julius Ceasar. This is the story of Vercingetorix, Druid King of Gaul.
Contains biographical and bibliographical information on one hundred popular science fiction writers active from the classical era into the twenty-first century, each including a list of interviews and essays.
Start here, when doing author research on the science fiction genre--you'll find directions on how to research the genre, lists of standard print and online resources, and a wealth of quality websites and blogs for 100 popular authors.
The exciting conclusion to the Elder Earth Saga that began in Prophecy of Shadows! The outcast warrior known as K'het tracks the immortal necromancer responsible for the murder of his mother and best friend. The old wizard has journeyed to the Plains of the Past, seeking to put an end to all living things on Elder Earth itself by reuniting the Geminus, one being of pure light, the other of pure shadow. The union of these exiled creatures will cause a cataclysm that would scorch the very heavens and leave all of Elder Earth a barren wasteland. K'het's path will take him through tests of the mind and body in a land where magical energies are still at play and legendary beasts still roam. K'het seeks the aid of allies in the elf kingdom of Tanglewood Forest. He will need their wisdom to catch the necromancer in time and face his destiny.
