First Publication: August 2010
Publisher: Merry Blacksmith Press
Source: Kindle
Challenge: 42 Challenge 2015
I have always been a big fan of science fiction anthologies. Among the ones I have read are Donald Wollheim and Terry Carr “World’s Best SF”, many of Groff Conklin’s classic collections, Roger Elwood’s “Continuum” series, and Roy Torgeson’s lesser known “Chrysalis”. One look at my shelves show many rows of unread anthologies. My Kindle contains all 18 volumes of David Hartwell’s “Year’s Best SF” and the last 3 of Gardner Dozois’ “The Year’s Best”. I was counting down the days until volume 32 of Gardner’s series was released today. One of my many goals is to start reading more anthologies. Only time will tell if I am successful.
That brings me to this book. Periodically, I enjoy reading a non-fiction book about science fiction. When I saw this one I had to pick it up. I bought and downloaded the Kindle and was hooked. Bud Webster’s collection of essays he wrote about the history of the science fiction anthology was a fun trip through time to revisit favorites from my younger days. The short articles made for great reading and filled me in on the history of some classics. I hope that Webster will continue and write more along this line.
Highly recommended for fans who want to learn more about the subgenre.