Customer Reviews

Science Fact and Science Fiction: An Encyclopedia

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Stapleford is a well known science fiction author in his own right. But he is also of a serious literary bent, in terms of analysing science fiction in the broader context of society and technology. With these credentials, he put together this encyclopedia.

In essence, it discusses a feedback loop between science fiction and science, mainly over the last 150 years. At one level, science fiction has often inspired people to become scientists. But the progress of science is shown to have changed what science fiction plots are about.

The book also looks at noted SF authors who were also scientists. The chemist Isaac Asimov. The astronomer Fred Hoyle. And others. These often imbue their stories with strong scientific verisimilitude. Which can also act to encourage other non-scientist authors to raise their game, in this aspect.

You might want to check this book out, if you are a SF fan, who also wants a broader context and better understanding of your hobby. [Instead of just reading each SF story you run into.]