Of Worlds Beyond

by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach

Overview

The Science of Science Fiction Writing

Seven famous science fiction authors—Heinlein, Campbell, "Doc" Smith, Williamson, de Camp, van Vogt, & Taine—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 a limited edition, Of Worlds Beyond rapidly sold out and soon became a collector's item. In response to many requests, Advent arranged to return the book to print, for the benefit of present-day students of science fiction. Many instructors of science fiction courses have chosen Of Worlds Beyond as required reading, and it remains on of the few (and best) explanations of how science fiction stories are written. It is full of useful insights for writers, editors, and readers.
Contents

Introduction by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach
"On the Writing of Speculative Fiction" by Robert A. Heinlein
"Writing a Science Novel" by John Taine
"The Logic of Fantasy" by Jack Williamson
"Complication in the Science Fiction Story" by A. E. van Vogt
"Humor in Science Fiction" by L. Sprague de Camp
"The Epic of Space" by Edward E. Smith, Ph.D.
"The Science of Science Fiction Writing" by John W. Campbell, Jr.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940153800387
Publisher:	ReAnimus Press
Publication date:	10/23/2016
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Eshbach was a lifelong science fiction fan, and besides creating Fantasy Press he was instrumental in assisting others in the creation and operation of their own fan or specialty presses, including William Crawford of Fantasy Publishing and later F.P.C.I. (Eshbach bought Crawford his first set of type for his press)[4] and Thomas Hadley, of first The Buffalo Book Company and later Hadley Publishing Company (both of Providence, RI),[5] whom Eshbach instructed and assisted with marketing and sales of his books and organization of his mailing list (which list eventually became the basis for the formation of a sales base for his own Fantasy Press).

His memoirs, Over My Shoulder: Reflections on a Science Fiction Era, were published in 1983; and his last novel, The Scroll of Lucifer, in 1990. Other books included The Armlet of the Gods, The Land Beyond the Gate, The Sorceress of Scath and The Tyrant of Time. He also edited Of Worlds Beyond: The Science of Science Fiction Writing (Reading, PA: Fantasy, 1947), the first book-length work on science fiction writing from a professional point of view.

An active member of science fiction's First Fandom, he was Guest of Honor at the 1949 World Science Fiction Convention and the 1995 World Fantasy Convention.