Science Fiction: A Historical Anthology by Eric S. Rabkin

SCIENCE FICTION
"Science fiction is everywhere in our dangerous world. All forms of art have their science fiction branches: motorized statuary, light show rock-and-roll, the impossible drawings of M.C. Escher. The alienation we all too often feel takes shape as the misunderstood monster (Frankenstein) or the outcast genius (Altered States) while the hopes we yet cherish continue to promise a transformation of humanity into something better than itself (Close Encounters). While once we prayed for miracles to save us from disasters, now we pray for 'miracle cures' to save us from industrial cancers. We live at the very edge of a gleaming new future, but the year is 1984."
from the Editor's Introduction
An invaluable contribution to the serious study of science fiction as well as a vastly entertaining collection, Science Fiction: A Historical Anthology displays the variety and richness of a genre that now speaks, in one way or another, to everyone. With 27 stories and excerpts, this anthology samples the full range of science fiction. Underscoring the parallels between advances in science and technology and the changing nature of science fiction writing, the selections range from such classic early works as Gulliver's Travels and Frankenstein to recent stories such as Harlan Ellison's "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream" and Ursula Le Guin's "Vaster Than Empires and More Slow." The book includes brief general essays by the editor, which, along with the chronological arrangement of the stories, illuminate the evolution of the genre. Moreover, each individual story or excerpt is preceded by a comment that enhances the reading of the piece.
Eric S. Rabkin is Professor of English and Associate Dean at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His works include The Fantastic in Literature, Science Fiction: History, Science, Vision (with Robert Scholes), and Fantastic Worlds: Myths, Tales, and Stories.
Cover design by Egon Lauterberg

Condition: Good. Just a little sticker shmutz on the back.