Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction: An A-Z of Science-Fiction Books by Title

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Researching and writing this book obviously was a labor of love for its author, David Pringle, and we (science fiction fans) are all the better for it. Personally, I have found this book to be highly useful, entertaining, and educational. For example, I can thank David Pringle for leading me to Olaf Stapledon's "Last and First Men", one of the most original and amazing books - of any genre - that I have ever read. Before getting the "Ultimate Guide," I am embarrassed to admit that I had never even HEARD of Olaf Stapledon! Similarly for other authors like M.J. Engh ("Arslan"), and for books by authors I HAD heard of, like "The Man in the High Castle" by Philip K. Dick. Before getting the "Ultimate Guide," I basically only new about Dick through "Blade Runner." What's really cool about this guide book is that its author is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his subject, but is not afraid to give bad reviews, even to famous authors, and good reviews to relative unknowns. Basically, this guidebook is a meritocracy, in that it doesn't matter how well-known you are; what matters is how good the book is. That not only speaks highly of David Pringle's integrity, but at the same time makes the book more valuable by increasing the reader's level of trust in Pringle's judgment. Having now read several of Pringle's recommendations, I now feel like I can trust his judgment, and isn't that the ultimate test of any guide book?

For all those who cannot live without science fiction, this book is a real life- saver to help them distinguish between the good and the bad of what science fiction has to offer. If you happen to agree with the opinions of Pringle (as I do in 90% of the cases) you'll be able to read really smart reviews and then buy the books that appeal to you the most.