Age of Wonders: Exploring the World of Science Fiction

by David G. Hartwell

Book Overview

An insider's view of the strange and wonderful world of science fiction, by one of the most respected editors in the field. David G. Hartwell has been editing science fiction and fantasy for over twenty years. In that time, he has worked with acclaimed and popular writers such as Robert A. Heinlein, Poul Anderson, Frank Herbert, Roger Zelazny, Robert Silverberg, Gene Wolfe, Nancy Kress, L.E. Modesitt, Terry Bisson, Lisa Goldstein, and Philip Jose...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802708080
• ISBN13: 9780802708083
• Release Date: January 1984
• Publisher: Walker & Company
• Length: 205 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An thorough look at science fiction!

Hartwell, who is obviously a great lover of science fiction, explores (in an academic manner) major issues of the SF genre in his AGE OF WONDERS. From discussing why some fans fall out of SF at teens while others stay for the duration of their entire lives to the recent decline of SF to great recommendations--it's all there. Although it's not 14 years after the revised publication of AGE OF WONDERS, Hartwell's book still provides a comprehensive look at the genre that can be appreciated by the SF veteran, neophyte, and stranger alike. -- Although, I contend that the neophyte will get the most use out of the book, the veteran the next most, and the stranger the least. I'll explain my reasoning as I go on. AGE OF WONDERS is written in essay format. The 12 essays (plus 6 appendices) are divided into three categories: "The Source and Power of SF's Appeal", "Exploring the Worlds of SF", and "Writer's, Fans, and Critics". As someone who probably falls into the 'very dedicated, but antisocial neophyte' class of SF fan, I found that I was mildly interested with most of the "Source and Appeal" section, ravenous for "Exploring the Worlds" and more or less uninterested in the "Fans, Critics" section. Strangely enough, my absolutely favorite portions of the book were the appendices. Throughout the entire book I found myself jotting down titles and author names from the different recommendations Hartwell made from many categories. He really approaches nearly every topic (to include my pet: feminist writings) within the span of these essays. Then I got to the end and saw the most beautiful appendices: "Sixty Books Important to the Development of SF, Published Before the Name was Invented", "The Best 105 SF Books Since the Invention fo the Field in the Twenties", and "Teaching SF". If anyone is looking to bring themselves up to speed through SF's history and best works, not only are Hartwell's lists well thought, but he explains his selections and even puts together a "Introduction to Science Fiction" and "A Course in the Literary History of SF". I plan to cover both 'courses' in my reading. In fact, I've referenced AGE OF WONDERS several times already for recommendations and information. Most of my notes come from the following essays (beloved appendices not included): - "Running Away From the Real World" - "When it Comes True, It's No Fun Anymore" - "SF Writers Can't Write for Sour Apples" - "Let's Get SF Back in the Gutter Where it Belongs" - "New Wave: The Great War of the 1960s" Just as a note, Hartwell's focus is definitely on hard science fiction. By which I mean the real technology and science-driven sort of SF. Although there's an essay or two that includes fantasy or soft SF or the many other variations, it's the hard SF that's Hartwell's strongest (and best loved) topic.

Not Free SF Reader

This is apparently a mid 90s update to a mid 80s book. Divided into three major sections :- The Source and Power of SF's Appeal Exploring the Worlds of Science Fiction and Writers, Fans and Critics He also has some short appendices about important early works, including pre-20th century, a bit about the development of commercial fantasy, on editing, and his list of best books. It is quite interesting. He looks at why people like SF, pointing out that such people do seem to think a bit differently, and the problems 'outsiders' have in coming in cold to SF work, and the fact that if you read a lot - he calls these people 'omnivores or chronics' that you will have your assumptions and beliefs challenged and lots of people absolutely do not want that. Also the fact that academic or literary critics that are 'outsiders' will have read far less material than such people. He looks at the influence of 'fans' in the 'keen convention or discusser of' sense, and also the 'New Wave War', after SF moved out of the golden age, as well as some leading critics. As far as style of writing goes, he mentions that a disagreement between H. G. Wells and Henry James could be seen to be at the heart of it, early on. Or, ornate style and character over a 'clear, journalistic style of prose' and having a plot and story. Of course pointing out that some SF writers do have both. Anyway, well worth a look, and it would be interesting to know if his opinions are the same around ten years later, given the digital influence now.

Want to know what SF is all about?

David Hartwell has written a magnificent book here - he covers everything from the various fandom activities that have been taking place since science fiction was in it's infancy, to the cyberpunk/humanist debate in the mid-80s. This is truly the best guide for those who don't know what science fiction is. SF has remained undefined, and although Hartwell is also unable to pin a truly accurate definition on it, he paints a broad picture with Age of Wonders, and manages to represent all the various sub-genres and activities going on within SF. He explains why science fiction fans, science fiction readers and science fiction writers are the way they are, and manages to make it very interesting at the same time. It is one of the best critical examinations of SF, and it's the book I recommend to people who want to know what science fiction literature is all about.

Useful for explaining to friends and family why you read SF

It was bound to happen. As I sat down to type up this commentary, I paged through my Day-Timer to find the notes I had written on the books I had read. I came across the reference to this...and a blank page. So what do I remember, now over two months later? I picked up this book long ago in paperback, read the first chapter or so, and sent the book to my mother. My parents have been quite understanding of my interest in science fiction, but I don't believe they've ever quite understood it. The first chapter, and indeed the rest of the book, is a wonderful introduction to science fiction and the culture it engenders. I don't know if my mother has ever read this, but I'm glad that it was there to send to her. I picked up this book again three years ago from an ad in Locus. It sat on my bookshelf until this past semester, when I did a study of science fiction fandom for my sociology class. Hartwell's excellent study then came in quite handy as a reference tool and quotebook for the paper that I wrote. Useful? Quite. I recommend it as probably the best study so far on science fiction fandom, mainly because it is the only one. Other books make reference to the subculture; only Hartwell dedicates an entire book to it. If you've ever wondered why fans are as they are, this might be your answer.

Why The Golden Age of SF is 12 years old (and male).

I grew up during the age of the Mercury and Apollo projects, a time before space launches, except for one disaster, become so routine I doubt they'll be any HBO specials about them. My fascination with the Cronkited-narrated adventures over my tiny black and white tv led to a fascination about outer space and, in particular, science fiction. Which is why David G. Hartwell titles his book, "Age of Wonders," noting the pre-adolescent's awe of emerging technical feats (in my time it was space travel, today it is cyberspace) that gets him (and it's usually male) hooked on reading science fiction to the exclusion of school and girls, which he's too nerdy to attract anyway. Hartwell's subject here is "hard science fiction," generally defined as imaginative postulations as how technology will be used in the future to solve a problem and how the subsequent changes wrought affect human behavior. This excludes Tolkien elves, McAffery dragons, or Gibson cyber cowboys, although there is a chapter on fantasy as well as the New Wave literary movement of the 60s that sought to transcend "space opera." But if you're interested in Robert Heinlein, watch Star Trek reruns, or go to fan conventions, this is the book for you. This is accessible literary criticism that any 12 year old can comprehend, even though it's written by an English professor. It's also quite funny, at times, as a review of the Table of Contents will tell you with chapters such as, ""Science fiction Writers Can't Write for Sour Apples" and "Let's Get SF Back in the Gutter Where It Belongs." In addition to the essays, there's a recommended reading list and an appendix about the business of SF publishing (Hartwell is an editor for TOR). An interesting read for fans, and a way for them to interest their friends who wonder what the fascination is all about.