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Science Fiction: The Illustrated Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

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5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Rumor has it that critic John Clute, in the aftermath of the success of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, was given carte blanche to develop an illustrated reference. This lavish volume, studded with graphics and nuggets of information, is the pleasing result. Science Fiction : The Illustrated Encyclopedia showcases the prophecy and pageantry of science fiction. It weaves together world history with literary history and technical developments with SF trends, providing a cultural context to the Zeitgeist of the genre. Words truly cannot do justice to the visual delights of this colorful tome: time lines, charts, author biographies and bibliographies complete with photos and signatures, illustrated analyses of SF traditions, magazine covers, classic book covers, film and television snapshots, and historical photos. Use it as a reference, read it through, or pick it up and enjoy it in bits. Science Fiction : The Illustrated Encyclopedia will arouse curiosity, joy, and pride in the hearts of SF lovers. --Bonnie Bouman


From School Library Journal

YA?Clute defines science fiction as "...any story that argues the case for a changed world that has not yet come into being." Arranged primarily by decade within each of eight chapters, the book covers visions of the future (accurate and off the mark); themes in history; influential magazines (from early pulp to the present); major authors (there are sketches of over 100 writers, photographs, signatures, and chronological bibliographies of major works); classic titles; graphic works; and genre films and international television. Timetables in the chapter on history include science-fiction events; film, radio, and TV; and magazines and world events. Pictures of magazine and book covers are first or early editions.?Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 312 pages
  • Publisher: DK ADULT; First edition first printing. edition (September 9, 1995)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0789401851
  • ISBN-13: 978-0789401854
  • Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.9 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #20 in  Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > Science Fiction & Fantasy
    #23 in  Books > Entertainment > Movies > Encyclopedias
    #37 in  Books > Children's Books > Series > Nonfiction > DK Illustrated Encyclopedias

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More About the Author

John Clute
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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very intelligent, well organised, gorgeously illustrated,, June 25, 2002
By OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)      
As a reader of science fiction for almost five decades now, I would have to say that this is the finest single-volume reference on the history of the field that I have ever seen. It gains from the fact that it is written by a Brit, since you get many British works and authors that probably would not be covered in an American collection, as well as, a decent covering of international efforts from Europe and Japan. This is a high quality production, the illustration is generous and gorgeous- and the quality of printing and manufacture is top notch.

I especially liked the decade-by-decade illustrated timelines stretching back to the 19th century. You have a veritable road map to the development of the genre. Plus, the manner in which actual historical events of the times are incorporated with the sci-fi shows that this was written by a thoughtful, educated, man and not some sci-fi fanboy living in a vacuum and divorced from reality. Yet it is scholarly without being the least bit boring.

I wouldn't call it perfect, however. From the decades that I am most familiar with, the 50's and 60's, I noticed a few significant ommissions. First of all, Lester del Ray only gets a single mention in small print? Plus, why is it that NOBODY seems to mention or remember MacK Reynolds? Also, how can you cover American sci-fi television without mention of Tom Corbett, Space Ranger, Space Angel, or Fireball XL-5? In the area of films, why no mention of Invaders from Mars (1953), Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964), or Moon Zero Two (1970)?
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent companion to the full encyclopedia, August 13, 2000
By Robert James (Culver City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
John Clute's "Encyclopedia of Science Fiction" is the master reference to the field. This illustrated volume is at best a companion, and anyone needing the full answers should go to that encyclopedia. That said, I love this illustrated edition. I have spent many hours poring over the paintings, pictures, illustrations and timelines. It is not an exhaustive look, but rather a selection, but a selection done by someone who knows the field as well as anyone does. One of my particular favorites in this book are the author photographs: not every author has a face as famous as Asimov or Heinlein, and it was fun finally seeing what my favorite authors looked like. As a teacher of science fiction and fantasy, I also appreciate its didactive qualities, since students are often lured in by the reproductions of golden age covers that sparkle with life and that inimitable sense of wonder so important to the field. If you love science fiction, you'll love this book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendously informative reference work., March 27, 2000
By Bruce A. (Sunny Southern California) - See all my reviews
This is an excellent reference work filled with information and superb pictures. The bios of noted science fiction uthors are especially interesting and helpful. This book has numerous minor problems, though. There is a blizzard of unnecessary commas that hurts the rhythm of the sentences. Many sentences are so parenthetically convoluted that Faulkner will seem like a minimalist in comparison. The page layouts are so poor in some cases that you're not sure if you're reading text or captions to the pictures. The author gives an excellent definition of cyberpunk, then contradicts himself by calling Dickens and Dostoevsky early cyberpunk authors. By Clute's own definition they are Punk but definitely not Cyber. Finally, the many different type sizes may give you a headache. Even with the minor problems this book is still easily five stars.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Free SF Reader
This is just a pleasure to read. Timelines, illustrations of lots of covers, including pulps. A definite must have. Read more
Published on September 3, 2007 by Blue Tyson

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent coffee table book on sci-fi
John Clute has assembled a large, graphically-enhanced book that's attractive to even non-SF lovers. Read more
Published on September 17, 2001 by Chino Fernandez

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a really valuable and attractive book!
John Clute has provided instructors of this genre with an easily accessible tool that students can understand and appreciate. Read more
Published on October 28, 1998

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide
This book serves as an excellent guide to the finest works of science fiction. If you are an avid SF reader, it is an invaluable reference.

Mr. Read more

Published on October 14, 1998

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely superb!
The Illustrated Encyclopedia is perfect for any Sci-Fi project! I used it for two ten-page papers in high school, and I'm using it now in college for an english contrasting... Read more
Published on January 30, 1997

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