The Greenwood Encyclopedia Of Science Fiction And Fantasy: Themes, Works, And Wonders (3 Volume Set)

The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders (3 Volume Set)

Works of science fiction and fantasy are enormously popular among students and general readers. The combined effort of some 150 expert contributors?including Richard Bleiler, John Clute, Ian Nichols, and Darrell Schweitzer?this encyclopedia discusses pervasive themes in science fiction and fantasy and gives detailed attention to selected novels, films, and television series. The first two volumes provide 400 alphabetically arranged entries on individual themes, while the last volume includes alphabetically arranged entries on 200 particular works. Accessible to a wide range of audiences, this encyclopedia is destined to be a favorite resource for anyone interested in fantasy and science fiction. While other references provide relatively brief entries, or offer essays on a limited group of writers, this encyclopedia gives extensive treatment to the most important themes and works of science fiction and fantasy across a range of media.Gary Westfahl, and internationally recognized authority on science fiction and fantasy, has coordinated the effort of some 150 expert contributors. In addition, the project was shaped by an advisory board of some of the most distinguished names in the field, including: ; Richard Bleiler ; John Clute ; Fiona Kelleghan ; David Langford ; Andy Sawyer ; And Darrell Schweitzer.Canonical works of science fiction and fantasy are central to the curriculum, while more popular works are being taught with greater frequency and often appear on summer reading lists. The format of this encyclopedia makes it an essential tool for students writing thematic essays, and teachers will also value it as guide for planning lessons. In addition to high school libraries, public libraries supporting student research or book discussion groups will welcome the lucid, thoughtful essays in this encyclopedia.Includes 400 entries on themes. Includes 200 entries on classic works. Covers literature, film, and television. Employs the talents of roughly 150 expert contributors. Overviews canonical and contemporary works. Entries on themes define and discuss the theme, relate it to works of science fiction and fantasy, and cite numerous resources. Entries on works provide critical information and discuss central themes. Provides an alphabetical list of entries. Lists entries grouped in topical categories. Entries are fully cross-referenced. Includes a detailed index. Offers a selected, general bibliography of major works on science fiction and fantasy. Numerous quotations from classic works highlight themes in science fiction and fantasy.From School Library JournalGrade 9 Up-This clear but sometimes dry work offers both insight and criticism. In all, there are 400 entries on themes (apes, cities, dinosaurs, evil, imaginary worlds, inventions, mirrors, plagues and diseases, time travel), and 200 on specific works (Animal Farm, Babylon 5,Dune, Rendezvous with Rama, Star Trek,Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Xena). A Guide to Related Topics and alphabetical lists of classics by theme aid access. The pithy and informative entries cover a lot of ground for both film and print formats in about two pages. Each one includes an overview paragraph; a survey of the theme with references to books, films, and possibly television shows; a brief discussion of the topic or classic under consideration; and a bibliography. Don DAmmassas Encyclopedia of Science Fiction (Facts On File, 2005) covers some of the same ground but with a complementary emphasis on authors oeuvres and individual characters. With its excellent organization and cross-referencing, concise entries, and detailed index,The Greenwood Encyclopedia will be of interest to fans or students of these genres.-John Palmer, Bryan & College Station Library System, Bryan, TXCopyright ? Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.From BooklistScience fiction and fantasy literatu