Anthopology 101: Reflections, Inspections and Dissections of SF Anthologies

by Bud Webster

Noted science fiction anthology scholar and author Bud Webster collects here, for the very first time, over 25 of his infamous Anthopology columns. Bud discusses the works of such celebrated anthologists as Frederik Pohl, Geoff Conklin, Terry Carr, Sam Moskowitz, Harry Harrison and more with a great sense of detail and humor. This is a must read for both casual and serious students of science fiction literature.

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2012

About the author

Bud Webster is a big know-it-all who can empty a room in three minutes just by blabbing trivia about science fiction and fantasy. As a writer, he's responsible for the Bubba Pritchert stories published in ANALOG, and also for numerous articles about the history of the field.

He is also the Estates Liaison for the Science-Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), making it easier for publishers to legally reprint works by classic sf/fantasy authors.

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're not already a raving fan of science fiction from the story-dominated era of 1930-1975, is there a reason to read a book that focuses entirely on in-depth studies of various anthologies from that era?

As it turns out, yes. Regardless of the obscurity of the subject matter, a skilled author who loves the subject matter can create something that rises above the level of curiosity piece and make a great book. That's exactly what Bud Webster, one of our great mavens of SF history does here. Each of the essays is an adventure in literary archaeology, extracting interesting nuggets about the anthology or anthologist that it chronicles. He teases out subtle differences in how each work was compiled, unearths controversies long forgotten, disinters authors long ago buried, and shows us how the puzzle pieces came together to create each anthology. It left me ready to track down dozens of stories, find battered copies of a dozen authors I don't know.

Even better, Webster does all of this with surprising humor, making a self-deprecating character of himself. You can see him down the years, feverishly working his way through these books when he first encountered them in his youth, reverently pulling the same books from his carefully assembled collection now. He tells funny stories about writers we have forgotten as people, bringing all of their quirks roaring back to life. I'd love to see him write a history of the genre. If this specialized volume is any indication, it would be exceptional. If you want an education in the roots of science fiction, by all means read this book, then go on to the other books that it inspire you to read.

[Norm · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, one of the saddest changes in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror genres has been the decline (and near death) of the hardcover and paperback anthology, those wonderful books with the garish and glorious cover art, which flourished from the 1940's through the 1970's. I believe that much of the best genre fiction is in the short story form. I honestly think something is lost today, with the focus on longer and longer novels and never-ending series. Authors must write whatever will sell, of course and the short story market is scanty, at best, although it seems to have been making a comeback, in recent years.

This is a wonderful collection of Bud Webster's "Anthopology 101" columns, a loving look back at many of the best anthologies published during their "Golden Age". Bud's keen analytical eye is balanced by his love for the genre and the books he discusses. So many of my favorites - both books and editors - are represented here that I won't even bother to list any. If I have any complaints, it's that there are many more I would have liked to see included. Also, I wish Bud would write more about Horror anthologies, such as the fine series of titles published by Ballantine and Bantam, in the 1960's and early 70's. Maybe Bud will publish a second volume, someday.

"Anthoplogy 101" is a long-awaited and much-welcomed gallery of these great old books, complete with Table of Contents and cover/dust jacket photos (in black and white). Just glancing through the cover art brings back so many pleasant memories! If you are a collector of these volumes, or if you would like to start collecting them, this is the first book I'd recommend.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about science fiction anthologies. If you are interested in exploring science fiction short stores and the books in which they appeared, this book is invaluable. It is informative and written in a friendly, witty style. Highly recommended!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up about 10 years after and 150 miles southwest of Bud Webster, but our histories are pretty similar. In a small town or rural environment, you grabbed any SF you were lucky enough to find. And anthologies were the big treasure chests. They could introduce you to more stories, more authors, and, very importantly, more history and background of the field of SF, through the anthologists' (and sometimes authors') introductions and notes. Bud and I both knew to glom on to them at an early age. By high school I was copying (by hand--this was the late Pleistocene) the tables of contents of the anthologies I was finding in the school library. I studied those lists, discovered the names that were usually present -- Heinlein, Leinster, Sturgeon, Kornbluth, etc. -- and then went searching with a purpose for more.

"Anthopology 101" looks at many of those anthologies that were so important to me back in the '70s. It's nostalgic, educational -- I had no idea of the history of "Final Stage" -- and entertaining. Bud, you know as well as I that this book isn't for everyone, but from those of us that it _is_ for: Thank you.

[John Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud Webster has published his Anthopology 101 column across a number of science fiction magazines and fanzines over the years. This book collects a number of those columns together.

In the columns Bud examines the history of science fiction anthologies. He begins by talking about how he, as a youngster in Virginia, discovered the anthology format in his public library. As he progresses through his columns he discusses various editors such as Frederick Pohl, Harry Harrison, and most significantly for him, Groff Conklin. He looks not only at the overall body of work put together by these worthies but at the significance of the individual stories within each anthology. Foe most of the anthologies discussed he provides a complete table of contents.

By the time that you finish reading this book you will doubtless have a long list of anthologies on your to buy list and you will have been swept up by Bud's enthusiasm, fascinated by his insider anecdotes, and utterly amused by his wonderfully outrageous turns of phrase. If you love science fiction - buy this book now!