A comprehensive three-volume reference work offers six hundred entries, with the first two volumes covering themes and the third volume exploring two hundred classic works in literature, television, and film.

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.

The first edition of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction was published in 1979 and was immediately hailed as a classic work of reference. This edition, now available in paperback, has taken years to prepare and is much more than a simple updating. The world of science fiction in the 1990s is much more complex than it was in the 1970s. The advent of game worlds, shared worlds, graphic novels, film and TV spin-offs, technothrillers, SF horror and much more has meant that the book has been expanded dramatically to cope with the complexities and changes in the genre. It now contains well over 4,300 entries - a staggering 1,500 more than the original - and, at 1.3 million words, it is over half a million words longer than the first edition. Written and compiled by a team of editors with unparalleled collective experience in the field, it is an invaluable reference work for any fan of imaginative fiction.

Like its companion volume, "The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction", this massive reference of 4,000 entries covers all aspects of fantasy, from literature to art.

This book provides students and other interested readers with a comprehensive survey of science fiction history and numerous essays addressing major science fiction topics, authors, works, and subgenres written by a distinguished scholar. This encyclopedia deals with written science fiction in all of its forms, not only novels and short stories but also mediums often ignored in other reference books, such as plays, poems, comic books, and graphic novels. Some science fiction films, television programs, and video games are also mentioned, particularly when they are relevant to written texts. Its focus is on science fiction in the English language, though due attention is given to international authors whose works have been frequently translated into English. Since science fiction became a recognized genre and greatly expanded in the 20th century, works published in the 20th and 21st centuries are most frequently discussed, though important earlier works are not neglected. The texts are designed to be helpful to numerous readers, ranging from students first encountering science fiction to experienced scholars in the field.