The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Science Fiction (1996) includes a Who’s-Who, an A-Z of Science Fiction characters, a reference guide to writers, actors, directors, an in-depth glossary, listing of the seminal sf movies and much more.
This book is a browser’s delight! David Pringle managed to provide both information and fun in this encyclopedia. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is a handy tool. And, copies are available online at reasonable prices. GRADE: A
Books such as this are like potato chips. i can’t get enough of them.
Jerry, I’m a fan of David Pringle’s books and this one is near the top!
Me too, Jerry. I have a shelf (or two) full of them.
Jeff, I stumbled across THE ULTIMATE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE FICTION by chance recently and I’m glad I did! What fun!
It was a bit late in the procession of similar books, such as the John Clute-edited volume (often referred to by sf fans as the CLUTEPEDIA). As someone who has been on discussion lists with Pringle for a couple of decades, I really should get my own copy.
Todd, I own the CLUTEDIA, which is very useful. But THE ULTIMATE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE FICTION by David Pringle is a visual feast! You will love it!
The first I picked up was the relatively early THE VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SF, edited by Brian Ash…not the best such work to be published, nor the first, but a game try at being both comprehensive and visually appealing.
I’m not a fan of SF, so this isn’t for me. On a side note a year behind me in high school was Greg Bear. I didn’t know him but have become acquainted with his friend, illustrators scott shaw who with Bear and several others started San Diego comic con.
Maggie, Greg Bear was a highly respected SF writer. Sad that he died November 19, 2022 (age 71 years).