Inside front cover: "Seven famous science fiction authors present essays on the science and art of writing science fiction. They offer valuable tips and insights to the writer breaking into science fiction, and give the general reader fascinating behind-the-scenes information on how stories are constructed. Originally issued in 1947 in a limited edition by Fantasy Press, Of Worlds Beyond rapidly sold out and soon became a collector's item. In response to many requests, in 1964 Advent arranged with Mr. Eshbach to return the book to print, for the benefit of present-day students of science fiction as well as those who were unable to obtain the first edition..."

Of Worlds Beyond: The Science of Science Fiction Writing, A Symposium

Reference

L. Sprague De Camp

Jack Williamson

John W. Campbell, Jr.

A.E.Van Vogt

Edward E. Smith

robert-a-heinlein

John Taine

Writing, Research & Publishing Guides

Advent: Publishers Inc

<p>From 1952 to 1963 the most penetrating critic of the field of magazine science fiction was known as "William Atheling, Jr." Guessing his real identity was not easy, because his dissection did not spare even his other ego, noted s-f author James Blish. Shedding his protective covering, Mr. Blish assembled many of the Atheling papers and edited them into this book. It is virtually a text for would-be writers of science fiction. Nor is its value limited to that genre; the rules of good writing are universal, and Atheling's critiques are not restricted to the peculiarities and special interests of science fiction. These essays take aspiring authors and editors by the hand and lead them painstakingly through the dense forests of "said-bookism," the treacherous moors of "repetitive phrasing," and other forbidden territories. And even old hands will find cause to wonder and reflect, and perhaps even to re-evaluate professional skills too long taken for granted. No subject is too sacred or taboo for Atheling's shredding typewriter; from sex to God, from religion to satirical poetry. No author is spared the bloody mark of his relentless lash; from Anderson to Heinlein to Zirul. No editor or publisher is spared his--or its--due share of responsibility. But most importantly, The Issue at Hand is not just--or even primarily--a textbook for students of writing. It is a vastly entertaining collection in its own right, affording many hours of pleasant informative reading and re-reading, urging the reader ahead with the wry comments, unexpected humor, and undeviating attention to standards that were the hallmarks of William Atheling, Jr.</p>

The Issue at Hand. Studies in Contemporary Magazine Science Fiction

Science Fiction & Fantasy

James Blish (as William Atheling Jr.)

Science Fiction

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Advent: Publishers Inc publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Advent: Publishers Inc