The A to Z of Science Fiction Literature (A to Z Guides)

"Science fiction literature, also known as sci-fi and sf, is one of the more recent and popular genres. It only truly emerged during the 20th century and has not stopped growing in terms of authors, titles, and readers. It has also evolved into a variety of subgenres, ranging from hard sf to soft sf and utopias to dystopias, with more than a smattering of horror, detective, war, and feminist titles. Stableford covers all of this and more, taking a close look at what has become a booming industry, with specialized writers, publishers, and fan magazines and literature from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and many other countries. The chronology charts the genre's dazzling growth; the introduction provides exceptional insight into what science fiction literature is all about; and the dictionary section examines writers, books, themes, and other specifics."--Jacket.