Encyclopedia of Science Fiction

by Robert Holdstock (Consultant Editor)

4to, Oversized, profusely illustrated with color illustrations, 219 pages with an Index at the rear in green paper

Genres: Science Fiction, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Robert Paul Holdstock was an English novelist and author who is best known for his works of fantasy literature, predominantly in the fantasy subgenre of mythic fiction.

Holdstock's writing was first published in 1968. His science fiction and fantasy works explore philosophical, psychological, anthropological, spiritual, and woodland themes. He has received three BSFA awards and won the World Fantasy Award in the category of Best Novel in 1985.

Pseudonyms are Chris Carlsen, Robert Faulcon,Robert Black, Steven Eisler and Richard Kirk.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time now to make an amendment since I have decided to pull this book down and give it another read and I can honestly say I am really glad I did. Yes the book and what it represents to me does not change but now I get to appreciate the book itself more. From the various sections written by famous and influential luminaries of the field (it had an introduction written by Isaac Asimov) to the fact that it has a wealth of references and links that even now require me to sit down with a pen and paper and make notes.

But there is also a tone to this book which I find intriguing. I guess this book was published at a time where Science Fiction was still struggling for a place in literature. I think it had found its identity by this point ( I think that was a struggle for the 60s) however it was still no confident in its own skin as it were. This is reflected in some interesting self-critiquing of certain publishers and editors. I guess at this time science fiction was still waiting to be accepted by the mainstream and the masses. After all today some of the highest grossing films and most iconic books are science fiction - I wonder how such comments would have been viewed at the time of this books publication.


I will start with saying that this books is as much about nostalgia as it about the book itself. I first stumbled across this book years ago (many years) while on holiday with my parents and brother.

We had stopped in a small Norfolk village to pick up some supplies while heading back from the beach. And my brother and I had gone off to searching the store - it was one of these places were you could easily find half a pound of nails (sold by weight in brown paper bags), fresh vegetables dug from the shop keepers allotment and small counter where you could post letters and post cards (bought from stand next to the counter) telling your friends how wonder the seaside was and that the Great British weather was not as bad as expected.

Nestled amongst this kaleidoscope of hardware and household supplied was a small sagging shelf of books. This was one of them. Now As a young boy I was fascinated with science fiction and this book instantly caught my eye but for some reason - lost to the distant past - my brother bought. Now I will admit he let me read it several times from cover to cover the book stuck in my mind.

So now many years later - where such essays and treatise are instantly available on line, the research and information only a few key strokes away, this book still amazes me with the treasures it holds within its pages. I guess back then a combination of limited resources and experience on my part meant that books like this helped me pull back the veil of mystery on the genre and opened up so many new worlds (literally) to explore.

So that is my unashamedly biased opinion of a dated and somewhat limited encyclopaedia which to me still holds the keys to worlds of possibilities

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this was an enjoyable romp through a book that I never got to read when young this book left me annoyed. The artwork is superb but there are so many errors and typos it's insane, one book is referred to as written by two different authors in the same sentence.

Definately for completists only.

[Andy Raptis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this in Melbourne in Christmas 1978 for 5 dollars at Myer's, and it's still in near perfect condition.
Lots of amazing illustrations, some of them adult themed. There is even a penis on display somewhere in there. And plenty of boobs. I can say that this book did a great deal to expand my eight year old mind whose idea of great science fiction was Lost in Space and Star Wars.
Don't get of wrong. I still love Lost in Space and Space 1999 but before this bookI had no idea how adult science fiction could be.

[Curtiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overall look at the world of science fiction, with a foreword by the good doctor, Isaac Asimov