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Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature

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The term science fiction (sf) first came into common use in the late 1920s, when it was attached to one of the many new genres spawned by American pulp magazines during a brief period of hectic diversification. The kinds of fiction gathered under this label included those termed 'scientific romances' by the British and considered 'contes philosophiques" by the French.

This reference tracks the development of speculative fiction influenced by the advancement of science and the idea of progress from the eighteenth century to the present. It provides an account of the major authors of works marketed under the genre label, various subgenres perceptible within the commercial genre, significant sf magazines and their editors, and neologisms coined by genre writers. Included are entries on authors of science-based speculative fiction that were, for one reason or another, spared the indignity of the genre label, and on authors in the fields of science and technology, which have been particularly prolific in provoking such speculation. The list of acronyms and abbreviations, chronology covering the literature from the 1700s through the present, introductory essay, and dictionary entries provide science fiction novices and enthusiasts, as well as serious writers and critics, with an excellent foundation for understanding the realm of science fiction literature. The extensive bibliography includes books, journals, fanzines, and websites, demonstrating that science fiction literature commands a massive following.

Cover design by James Enterline

Published by The Scarecrow Press, Inc in April 2004
ISBN:0-8108-4938-0

The Brian Stableford Website