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Science Fiction 101: Where to Start Reading and Writing Science Fiction Paperback – February 27, 2001

by Robert Silverberg (Author)

10 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0743412940 ISBN-10: 074341294X

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If you read or write science fiction, here is the best introduction to the secrets, the craft and the art of science fiction. Included are thirteen classic works of modern sf; wondrous stories by Alfred Bester, Philip K. Dick, Jack Vance, Frederick Pohl and many others. If you love science fiction, read how a young fan grew up to become one of the most honored masters in the history of the field, as told in his own words.

Science Fiction 101: Where to Start Reading and Writing Science Fiction

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Product Details

Paperback: 560 pages
Publisher: I Books (February 27, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 074341294X
ISBN-13: 978-0743412940
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,378,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #61 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Science Fiction & Fantasy

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A virtual primer on the writing of science fiction." Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

In his illustrious forty-five year career as a novelist and author of short fiction, Robert Silverberg has belonged in the company of the best writers of the 20th century. His writing has been compared to Conrad, Huxley and Orwell.

Customer Reviews

(10)

4.2 out of 5 stars

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See all 10 customer reviews

His introduction is wonderful too.

George Duncan

I've used this book twice, teaching science fiction writing at MIT, and will use it a third time this year.

Joe Haldeman

This is a superb collection of some of the finest short works of science fiction.

"jradoff"

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

Learn from a master.

By Joe Haldeman on August 27, 2002

Format: Paperback

I've used this book twice, teaching science fiction writing at MIT, and will use it a third time this year. It's an excellent introduction to "Golden Age" science fiction, with thoughtful analysis of each story by Silverberg, explaining why each was important to his development as a writer.

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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

Lessons from a Master

By A Customer on April 17, 2003

Format: Paperback

As the blurb on the book says, there really is something for any science fiction fan in here. You may choose to skip the first part where Silverberg talks about his entry into the wrold of SF writing, though, as a writer myself, I enjoyed it a great deal. It's a warm reminiscence not onlyof a young writer finding his voice but of those halcyon days of the so-called Golden and Silver Ages of science fiction.
The stories themselves are a terrific collection and include some true masterpieces of short story writing, some of which are rarely anthologised. Just go to the sample pages above to check out the contents list. I defy any SF fan not to enjoy most of these stories.
Then there are the essays on the stories, where Silverberg deconstructs and analyses the stories (without, I should add, in any way detracting from them). This isn't a case of the illusion being spoiled when you look at how it's done. I came away from them only more admiring of the skills and imaginations of the writers.
As to those who accuse this of being an ego exercise by Silverberg I can only say they obviously miss the point. There's a clear love of the craft and art of science fiction at work here. Silverberg tells us plainly that he chose these stories not because they are the all-time greats of the genre necessarily (though some actually are - and for a fuller list of such stories see Silverberg's anthology The Science Fiction Hall of Fame vol.1. The greatest SF short stories as chosen by the SF Writers Association).
These are the stories that a fledgling writer was moved by, astounded by, impressed and dazzled by. We all have our own lists of such stories and they often include ones that wouldn't be on anyone else's list. Doesn't make them bad choices, just personal ones.Read more ›

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

Wonderful Collection

By "jradoff" on June 3, 2004

Format: Paperback

This is a superb collection of some of the finest short works of science fiction.
Some of my favorite stories are included here:
"Fondly Fahrenheit," Bester, one of science fiction's most beautiful examples of rhythm and poetic styling.
"Hothouse," Aldiss, an example of a future Earth that will fill you with awe.
"Day Million," Pohl, the classic boy-meets-girl story of the distant future.
The others are good as well, but the above tales are worth the price of the book alone. Add in Silverberg's commentary, and you've got a treasure-trove.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

insightful introduction to science fiction for neophytes

By A Customer on December 20, 2001

Format: Paperback

whether you want to read it or write it, this is a terrific introductory course in science fiction by our finest living sf author.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

A terrific book on many levels

By K. Bunker VINE VOICE on February 4, 2012

Format: Paperback

Note that this is the same book as Robert Silverberg's Worlds of Wonder: Exploring the Craft of Science Fiction; don't do what I almost did and buy both books.

In this volume, the multi-Hugo and multi-Nebula award winner Robert Silverberg presents a book that's part autobiography of his early years as a developing writer, part literary criticism, part guide to other beginning writers, and part anthology.

Thirteen stories are included, each by a different author, ranging in date from 1944 to 1966. Silverberg selected these stories both for their value as lasting classics of the SF genre, and for the influence they had on him as a young writer. In a brief essay that follows each story, Silverberg explains why he considers it among the best that SF has produced, analyzes what makes it "work" as a story, and often, how the story influenced him when he first read it. Fascinating tidbits about the genesis of the story, its reception at the time of its publication, and its influence on the SF field in general are also sometimes included.

Any devoted reader of SF short stories will be familiar with some, if not all of the stories here. But the book works on several levels: As a fine collection of classics, as a work of SF criticism and analysis that will give readers new insights into some well-known stories, and as a partial autobiography of the early career of one of SF's greatest authors, revealing much about the man, his thoughts about SF writing and the circle of writers he moved among.

A list of the stories:
"Four in One"; Damon Knight, 1953
"Fondly Fahrenheit"; Alfred Bester, 1954
"No Woman Born"; C.L.Read more ›

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

not worthy of the title

Before I throw this book in the trash, I thought I'd refer to certain specific passages. I agree with the other one-star reviewer; this is a brag book for Silverberg. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Kahikina

For Science Fiction Lovers (And Writers)

There are no words to convey the brilliance of this book. Silverberg collects about 15 of the finest SF short stories and then analyses why they are so good. Read more

Published on December 5, 2011 by George Duncan

finding jack vance novella - thr new prime

i searched for years to find this work. found it was included in silverberg's text :science fiction 101. Read more

Published on September 8, 2009 by Walter Eisenhower

Excellent stories

I found the variety and quality of these stories to be excellent and the critiques were a great bonus. You don't have to be a S-F fan to read these. Read more

Published on March 14, 2009 by Ann Alexander

Big Disappointment

I rarely give really bad reviews, but this guy deserves it. He had no business calling his book Science Fiction 101 or anything else 101. He didn't teach anything. Read more

Published on July 30, 2008 by Truth Seeker