Robert Silverberg has been writing essays about science fiction for over 50 years. The first collection of his essays, Reflections and Refractions was published by Underwood Books in 1997. This second collection of essays published from 1995 to 2010 reveals a contemplative Silverberg who tries to give a Long View of Science Fiction and its best writers. Silverberg writes marvelous essays about Poul Anderson, Cordwainer Smith, Henry Kuttner (and C. L. Moore), Murray Leinster, Avram Davidson, and William Tenn. Dozens of other writers are referenced in 80 essays collected in Musings and Meditations. Silverberg even includes 13 essays on how to write science fiction! If you have any interest in the science fiction genre, then you’ll find much to appreciate in Robert Silverberg’s thoughtful essays. And, almost by osmosis, you’ll want to drop everything and read some of Robert Silverberg’s fine fiction. I did.
This one would be exclusively his column for ASIMOV’S SF MAGAZINE? His previous one mixing his column for AMAZING with those for ASIMOV’S, where the column relocated, iinm. And I assume you have his memoir…
Yes, Todd, these essays are mostly from ASIMOV’S SF MAG, but there are several book introductions and other essays mixed in. I reviewed Silverberg’s memoir, also from nonstop press, here last year.
I wonder if someone with absolutely no science background could pull it off. Seems like you’d have to have an affinity in that area.
Robert Silverberg’s essays set the historical time precisely, Patti. There’s plenty of context here so readers won’t get lost in obscure references. Silverberg’s essays on writing are universal.
I don’t have this one yet, but I just got Vol 5 of the short stories. Wonderful stuff. Great choice, George!
Like his memoir, this Silverberg essay collection is a labor of love, Scott. I admire Silverberg’s passion to make his story of his career accessible.
I really like those essays in Asimov’s. Great stuff.
All those essays from ASIMOV are in this volume, Bill. Plus a few more. Great stuff, indeed!
George, I will almost certainly get great pleasure in reading this.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy MUSINGS & MEDITATIONS, Drongo. These Silverberg essays are top-notch!
I’ll see if the library has this one, a must read.
Must-read is right, Rick! Nonstop press should be commended on bringing out Silverberg’s non-fiction writings.
13 essays on writing? I’m sold.
Robert Silverberg’s advice on writing will intrigue you, Evan. He recommends a number of books, some I’ve read and some I’ve ordered.
This looks like a wonderful companion book to “Science Fiction of the 20th Century” by Frank M. Robinson, which Scott Cupp chose as his Forgotten Book today. Between the two, you’d get a good overview of the history of science fiction, as well as methods and insight.
You’re right, BV! Scott’s recommendation of Frank Robinson’s awesome SF OF THE 20TH CENTURY coupled with Silverberg’s essays about science fiction would provide a wonderufl overview of the genre.