This catalogue, which accompanied an exhibition held at the Grolier Club, argues for a broad description of science fiction that encompasses fantasy and horror. Beginning with the origins of science fiction during the Gothic Period, Henry Wessells contemplates such topics as the end of the world (and after), imaginary voyages, dystopia, women authors, literary innovation, humor, the Sixties, rock and roll, cyberpunk, and steampunk, as well as current trends in science fiction and the fantastic.
Henry Wessells is an antiquarian bookseller in New York City. John Crowley is the author of Little, Big, which received the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel.
"Erudite and altogether fascinating. . . In the year of Frankenstein's bicentennial, this is essential reading."