David Pringle

A rather superficial coverage of fantasy but it was cheap and had some nice pictures. Though As I've been re-reading it for this review, I've realised that there is more to it than I had supposed. There is a rather brief overview of different types of fantasy which is quite well done. But the main thrust of the book is about fantasy in the cinema and there are short reviews of most of the fantasy films that have been produced (mainly in USA) over the years. I was going to give it two stars but I've upped it to three.… (mere)

Five stars as this books is one of the single biggest influences on my reading in my early adult life. 100 SF novels 1949-1984. A subjective selection but most of the genre classics from period are here, with perhaps a lean toward New Wave and progressive but representation from the hard field too. Yes, it is very white and male, but the second half of the list is more diverse, with the inclusion of work from Angela Carter, Suzy McKee Charnas, Joanna Russ, Octavia Butler etc. indicative of changing times.… (mere)