Science Fiction Quotations: From the Inner Mind to the Outer Limits (Paperback)

~ Dr. Gary Westfahl (Editor), Arthur C. Clarke (Foreword)
Key Phrases: angry lead skies, zero gee, snow crash, Star Trek, Red Mars, Drowning Towers (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Westfahl defines a science fiction quotation as coming from novels, short stories, films, and TV programs (with some attention given to plays, radio dramas, and comic books) and being about works of science fiction or from science fiction writers. Organized under topical headings, more than 2,900 quotations offer the wisdom and wit of well-known authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov as well as lesser-known personalities like J. O. Bailey and Stirling Silliphant and from titles as varied as The Strawberry Window, Cat's Cradle, and The Thing (from another World). Westfahl has published extensively in the field of science fiction and received the 2003 Science Fiction Research Association's Pilgrim Award for lifetime contributions to science fiction and fantasy scholarship.

Beginning with "Actions" ("What I do I do because I like to do," Anthony Burgess, A Clockwork Orange[1962]) and ending with "Work" ("Even if one has been to the moon, one has still to earn a living," H. G. Wells, The First Men in the Moon [1901]), many well-known and some more esoteric quotations are identified. Among other categories are "Belief," "Death," "Freedom," "Nature," "Reality," "Space," and "Utopia." The "History" and "Religion" sections, in particular, provide large and stimulating collections of quotations. Within categories, quotations are generally arranged chronologically. Titles in quotation marks are short stories, and italicized titles are books and films. An index of authors and an index of titles provide additional access points for readers.

In this well-researched work, Westfahl shows how diverse the genre of science fiction has been and remains. Most public and academic libraries will want to purchase. Susan Awe
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"A massive undertaking that would have daunted all but the most indefatigable of researchers-and one for which generations of science fiction writers and enthusiasts will be extremely grateful."-Sir Arthur C. Clarke, from the foreword (Sir Arthur C. Clarke )

"A collection of quotes from many of the most thoughtful, insightful, and witty figures in the field" (Greg L. Johnson SF Site )

". . .well-researched. . .Most public and academic libraries will want to purchase."-Booklist (Booklist )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (October 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300108001
• ISBN-13: 978-0300108002
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #946,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great quotes!, March 7, 2006

By	Michael Walsh (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ok, so not all of your faves might be here, but what is here is great. Useful index too. Great book to have to improve the sig lines in your emails!