A Research Guide to Science Fiction Studies

An Annotated Checklist of Primary and Secondary Sources for Fantasy and Science Fiction

Marshall B. Tymn,Roger C. Schlobin,Lloyd W. Currey

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781000639070
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Literary Criticism in Science Fiction
• Index: Literature

Academic attention to science fiction and fantasy began in 1958, when the Modern Language Association scheduled its first seminar on science fiction at its New York meeting. Over the years science fiction emerged as a popular subject that achieved critical attention and acceptance as an academic discipline. A Research Guide to Science Fiction Studies, originally published in 1977, is designed to provide the reader – whether they be scholar, teacher, librarian, or fan – with a comprehensive listing of the important research tools that have been published in the United States and England through 1976. The volume contains over 400 selected, annotated entries covering both general and specialized sources, including general surveys, histories, genre studies, author studies, bibliographies, and indices, which span the entire range of science fiction and fantasy scholarship.

IV. AUTHOR STUDIES & BIBLIOGRAPHIES

A. COLLECTIVE

195. Aldiss, Brian W. and Harry Harrison, eds. Hell’s Cartographers: Some Personal Histories of Science Fiction Writers. London: Weidenfield and Nicolson, 1975. 246pp.

Autobiographical sketches by six post-war science fiction writers: Alfred Bester, Damon Knight, Frederik Pohl, Robert Silverberg, Harry Harrison, and Brian W. Aldiss. Checklists and photographs of the six authors.

196. Clareson, Thomas D., ed. Voices for the Future: Essays on Major Science Fiction Writers. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green University Popular Press, 1976. 283pp.

A collection of critical essays which, for the most part, concern writers of science fiction whose careers had begun by the end of World War II. Following a general introductory survey by Jack Williamson on magazine publishing in the 1930s and 1940s are articles focusing on Jack Williamson, Olaf Stapledon, Clifford Simak, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Theodore Sturgeon, Ray Bradbury (two essays), Arthur Clarke, Kurt Vonnegut, Henry Kuttner, and C.L. Moore. This book fills a void in science fiction scholarship, that of the single-author study. Each essay deals with an interpretation of the major works of the subject writer set against the the writer’s general background.

197. Day, Bradford M. Bibliography of Adventure: Mundy, Burroughs, Rohmer, Haggard. Denver, NY: Science Fiction and Fantasy Publications, 1964. 125pp. [paper].

The checklists of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Talbot Munday, and Sax Rohmer are revised from their earlier versions as separate pamphlets issued in 1962, 1955, and 1963 respectfully.

198. Ellis, S.M. Wilkie Collins, Le Fanu and Others. London: Constable, 1931. 343pp.

Bibliographical studies with comprehensive bibliographies of British authors who were at their peak in the mid-19th century. These studies are “personal rather than critical, and seek to show the influence of heredity, early environment, scenery, places of residence, and actual experiences upon the writers’ literary work.” Subjects are: Wilkie Collins, Charles Allston Collins, Mortimer Collins, R.D. Black-more, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, Edward Bradley and George Lawrence, Mary Ann and Thomas Hughes, John Crossley (a bibliophile), and Mrs. J.H. Riddell. Germane to the study of fantastic literature is the chapter on Le Fanu which contains important biographical data not easily located elsewhere and an extensive bibliography which includes magazine contributions as well as published books.

199. Hillegas, Mark R., ed. Shadows of Imagination: The Fantasies of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1969. 170pp. Rpt. 1976 [paper].

Essays by academic critics on the works of three important fantasists. This book evolved from a seminar on Lewis and Tolkien at the 1966 MLA Annual Meeting. The three writers treated here are regarded as “serious fantasists” who share a belief in fantasy as “a mode valuable for presenting moral or spiritual values, which could not be presented in realistic fiction: a way of transcending the limitations of human existence to attain new perspectives and insights.”

200. Manlove, C.N. Modern Fantasy: Five Studies. Cambridge, MA and London: Cambridge University Press, 1975. 308pp.

A literary analysis of five modern fantasists and their major works: Charles Kingsley (The Water-Babies), George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis (Perelandra), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), and Mervyn Peake (The Titus Trilogy). Each analysis is set in an illustrative context of the writer’s life, thought, and other works.

201. Purtill, Richard. Lord of Elves and Eldils: Fantasy and Philosophy in C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1974. 216pp. [paper].

A study of Lewis and Tolkien which contrasts their themes and styles within the framework of fantasy, style, language, and philosophy. Appendices contain a selected bibliography of fiction and criticism and a discussion of literature which influenced or was influenced by the work of Lewis and Tolkien. Indexed.

202. Samuelson, David. Visions of Tomorrow: Six Journeys from Outer to Inner Space. New York: Arno Press, 1975. 429pp.

A reprint of the author’s Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Southern California, 1969, this book is an intensive study of six novels representative of American and British science fiction in the period following World War II: The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov, The Crystal World by J.G. Ballard, Rogue Moon by Algis Budrys, Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr., and More Than Human by Theodore Sturgeon. An important pioneer study of post-World War II science fiction, and the first extended and detailed examination of individual SF novels. The first 83 pages comprise a good historical survey of the genre.

203. Schweitzer, Darrell, ed. SF voices. Baltimore: T-K Graphics, 1976. 123pp. [paper].

A collection of fourteen interviews, some of which originally appeared in professional and amateur magazines. Interviewed are: Alfred Bester, Robert Silverberg, Brian Aldiss, James Gunn, Gardner Dozois, Norman Spinrad, Gordon Dickson, Ben Bova, Ted White, Jack Williamson, L. Sprague de Camp, Frank Belknap Long, Gahan Wilson, and Jerry Pournelle.

204. Tuck, Donald H. Authors’ Books Listing. Lindisfarne, Australia: By the Author, 1975. 32pp. [paper].

Checklists of hardcover and paperback books by seven science fiction writers: John Brunner, A. Bertram Chandler, Edmund Cooper, Philip Jose Farmer, Ursula K. Le Guin, Michael Moorcock, and A.E. Van Vogt. The booklet was prepared for the 33rd World Science Fiction Convention at Melbourne, 14–17 August, 1975.

205. Tuck, Donald H. Author’s Works Listing. Hobart, Tasmania: By the Author, 1960–62. 121pp. [unbound].

A series of 21 checklists issued in three series covering hardcover and paperbound books, magazine fiction and series listings of subject writers. Authors included are: Isaac Asimov, Nelson S. Bond, Fredric Brown, Hal Clement, Ray Cummings, Robert A. Heinlein, Damon Knight, Stanley G. Weinbaum, Poul Anderson, Arthur C. Clarke, David H. Keller, Otis Adelbert Kline, Murray Leinster, Nathan Schachner, Henry S. Whitehead, August Derleth (SF and fantasy fiction only), Edmond Hamilton, Cyril M. Kornbluth, Frank Belknap Long, Eric Frank Russell, and Clifford D. Simak. The format is similar to Tuck’s The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and much of the data will be updated and superseded when that work is published in its entirety. At present, this series contains details not readily located elsewhere.

206. Urang, Gunnar. Shadows of Heaven: Religion and Fantasy in the Writings of C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Philadelphia: Pilgrim Press, 1971. 186pp.

A study of the impact of the fantasy writings of Lewis, Williams and Tolkien upon literature and theology. One chapter is devoted to each author, with a concluding chapter which attempts to interrelate the various works examined to the larger question of “can the pattern of belief represented by the work be considered adequate to the experience and the developing consciousness of modern man?” A Christian approach to Lewis, Williams and Tolkien which explores the themes and attitudes of fantasy, grace, and romantic love.

B. INDIVIDUAL

BRIAN W. ALDISS

207. Aldiss, Margaret. Item Eighty-Three: Brian W. Aldiss, 1954–1972. Oxford: Bocardo Press, 1973. 40pp. [paper].

An expanded version of a checklist first published in 1962 as Item Forty-Three: Brian W. Aldiss, A Bibliography, 1954–1962. A detailed three-part bibliography of Aldiss’ fiction, non-fiction, and edited works. Some items in the 1962 edition were annotated by Aldiss, but these comments were deleted from the 1973 printing.

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

208. Bredsdorff, Elias. Hans Christian Andersen: The Story of His Life and Work 1805–75. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1975. 376pp.

The fullest biography in any language and the culmination of the author’s lifelong study and enjoyment of the “unsurpassed master” of the fairy tale. Makes extensive use of Andersen’s journals, correspondence, notebooks, and other primary source material. The second part of the book, a study of the fairy tales, will be a revelation to most people, for, as the author states, Andersen has long been relegated to the nursery, and few adults realize the full extent of his with, charm, and sheer genius. Extensive bibliography of primary materials. Indexed.

ISAAC ASIMOV

209. Goble, Neil. Asimov Analyzed. Baltimore: Mirage Press, 1972. 174pp.

A detailed analysis of Asimov’s literary style with emphasis on his scientific writing. Of value for its analysis of Asimov’s writing style and summaries of content of his non-fiction works; but Patrouch’s The Science Fiction of Isaac Asimov is more germane to the study of the science fiction. Contains a bibliography (detailing contents) of Asimov’s first 100 books, but Miller’s Isaac Asimov: A Checklist is the preferred bibliography. Indexed.

210. Miller, Marjorie M. Isaac Asimov: A Checklist of Works Published in the United States, March 1939-May 1972. [Kent, OH]: Kent State University Press, 1972. 98pp.

Part one is a chronological checklist of fiction and non-fiction published in English language books and periodicals as of mid-1972. Detailed entries provide information on initial and subsequent appearances. Indexed by title. Part two is a brief annotated checklist (28 entries) of selected criticism and works about Asimov. Currently, the most comprehensive Asimov bibliography.

211. Patrouch, Joseph F., Jr. The Science Fiction of Isaac Asimov. Garden City: Doubleday, 1974. 283pp.

A critical analysis of all of Asimov’s fiction. A perceptive study which provides an excellent comparison of Asimov’s themes and literary style. Patrouch makes no attempt to deal with science fiction in general (though occasional references occur) nor to place Asimov’s writings in the wider literary tradition.

JAMES GRAHAM BALLARD

212. Goddard, James and David Pringle, eds. J.G. Ballard: The First Twenty Years. Hayes, England: Bran’s Head Books, 1976. 99pp.

Concerns the work and literary career of one of the most influential literary figures to arise from the science fiction genre. Following the introductory essay by the editors is a twenty-eight page interview with Ballard recorded 4 January 1975. The focus of the book is on the symposium, comprising seven essays and reviews. Contents: “The Wounded Land: J.G. Ballard” by Brian W. Aldiss, “The Fourfold Symbolism of J.G. Ballard” by David Pringle, “Modern Metaphors” by Michael Moorcock, “An Honest Madness” by Pringle, “The Greening of Ballard” by Ian Watson, “Review of Concrete Island” by Peter Linnett, and “The Incredible Shrinking World: A Review of J.G. Ballard’s High-Rise” by Pringle. Contains a detailed chronological bibliography (including reprint data and content listing) of published fiction (this section cross-referenced with an alphabetical index), translations of works into foreign languages (not comprehensive), and non-fiction.

L. FRANK BAUM

213. Baum, Frank Joslyn and Russell P. McFall. To Please a Child. Chic...