Science Fiction: 101

The Grand Master details his development as a writer and shares thirteen favorite sci-fi stories from his youth and what they taught him about writing.

 


Every writer must start somewhere. Robert Silverberg was once simply a young man learning the art and craft of writing before he found success. But how did he get from there to winning four Hugo Awards, three Locus Awards, and six Nebula Awards, as well as being named a Grand Master of science fiction?


 


In Science Fiction 101, the prolific author looks back to his roots in the genre to answer that question. With thought-provoking essays, Silverberg details the inspiration, lessons, strategies, and skills he gained from thirteen groundbreaking science fiction stories from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s—all included in this volume. It's an entertaining and enlightening read, perfect for those interested in sci-fi history and the craft of writing.


 


Featuring thirteen classic stories from Brian W. Aldiss, Alfred Bester, James Blish, Philip K. Dick, Damon Knight, Cyril M. Kornbluth, Henry Kuttner, C. L. Moore, Frederik Pohl, Bob Shaw, Robert Sheckley, Cordwainer Smith, and Jack Vance.


 


Previously published as Robert Silverberg's Worlds of Wonder

 

Praise for Science Fiction 101

 

"An excellent introduction to the most important roots of modern SF." —The Washington Post

 

"Offers encouragement and sound counsel . . . Anyone interested in writing science fiction and fantasy will profit from this book." —San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle

 

"A virtual primer on the writing of science fiction . . . a fascinating portrait of a young man becoming a writer . . . Finally, we have the 13 stories, almost all of which are classics in the field, wonderful to reread and in some cases to encounter for the first time." —Publishers Weekly

 

"A unique and successful work." —Los Angeles Times