Sense of Wonder: A Century of Science Fiction

[Witty Username]

amazon.com link


I did a search of the board and couldn't find any mention of this book. When I first saw it, I thought that it would be excerpts from the novels. No, it's the complete, original works and the entire book is close to two million words. I think there are almost 150 works, not including the academic essays and discussions of the genre(s).

Trying to describe the contents is impossible, all I can do is direct you to the TOC on the amazon 'look inside' feature so you can see how incredible this book is for yourselves. I bought it from Kobo using a discount voucher but even without a discount, this book is unbelievably good value. I would highly recommend this to all sci-fi fans.

As the reviews on amazon.com make clear, it is almost impossible to read as a paper book. If ever there was a title that HAS to be read on an e-reader, this is it! From amazon pb review:

...the print is so small as to be nearly unreadable, the margins are at best a quarter-inch, and white space is virtually non-existent. While I appreciate the desire to produce a comprehensive collection at an affordable price, readable book design is a requirement that should not be overlooked.

ETA: I forgot to say, there is also a comprehensive section at the end with advice for would-be writers!

2nd Edit: I was wrong - not all the novels are complete (thank you DrNefario for the correction) the listing on Wildside is far more comprehensive than any other I have seen:

Much better information than on the amazon link above

[DrNefario]

Looks interesting, and includes at least one book I've been thinking of reading for a while, although the listing on the Wildside site does suggest that (some of?) the novels are not complete.

I'll put it on my wish list. And send myself a sample.

[kennyc]

I've been making my way through this gradually (only about 20% done with this so far). I particularly enjoy the introductions and the other discussion of context and the SF field in many of the non-fiction articles.

Highly recommended from me for anyone serious about reading/knowing the field.

[DrNefario]

The sample is bigger than many of the other books on my Kindle. It's a shame it's going to mostly consist of Princess of Mars, which I listened to as an audiobook a few months ago.

[kennyc]

Oh no, it is chock full of good stuff. ERB is only a very small part. But Princess of Mars is all there.

[Greg Anos]

I don't know how well proofed it is. If it is well-proofed, it's a steal at $40. Forget the novels, and novel excerpts. The shorter pieces are worth the price. I counted 6 Hugo winning short stories/noevelettes/novellas, and another dozen that are considered to be absolute classics in the field. it's totally across science fiction history and political/philsophical spectrum from Heinlein to Joanna Russ to Harlan Ellison to Eric Frank Russell to Cordwainer Smith.

I might quibble about some of the selections, but that's personal taste. (Example, Theodore Sturgeon has Microcosmic God, a classic, yes, but maybe Saucer of Lonliness, or The Man Who Lost the Sea would have been even better choices. Or Lovecraft might have been better served (ahem), by A Shadow Over Innsmouth, instead of At The Mount of Madness.) But all the choices that I am familar with are reasonable and excellent.

[kennyc]

As far as 'proofing/editing" I've seen nothing wrong in my readings so far.

[Greg Anos]

Originally Posted by kennyc

As far as 'proofing/editing" I've seen nothing wrong in my readings so far.

There goes $40...

[kennyc]

I do have the Kindle edition, not the print edition, btw...

[jgaiser]

Yep.. Picked up the ebook also. Don't know when I'll get around to starting it though. I have the Hugo short fiction and two other books I really want to finish. Looks good though.

[Elfwreck]

Originally Posted by Witty Username

2nd Edit: I was wrong - not all the novels are complete (thank you DrNefario for the correction) the listing on Wildside is far more comprehensive than any other I have seen:

Much better information than on the amazon link above

That would be because Wildside is the publisher.

It really does look like an awesome collection. (Some clever person with more free time than I have should sort through it and figure out how much is public domain.)

[Greg Anos]

Originally Posted by Elfwreck

That would be because Wildside is the publisher.

It really does look like an awesome collection. (Some clever person with more free time than I have should sort through it and figure out how much is public domain.)

I've given it a quick eyeball and I'd say around 40% P.D. But the other 60% is worth the price, by itself...

[AnemicOak]

FYI this is couponable at Kobo.

[DrNefario]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Oh no, it is chock full of good stuff. ERB is only a very small part. But Princess of Mars is all there.

I meant that the sample was likely to be mainly Princess of Mars, because that's the first thing in the book.

[kennyc]

Oh, I see.