Hugo Gernsback and the Century of Science Fiction

Gary Westfahl, a professor emeritus at the University of La Verne, California, has authored, edited, or co-edited 31 books about science fiction and fantasy, and hundreds of articles and reviews. In 2003, he received the Science Fiction Research Association’s Pilgrim Award for his lifetime contributions to science fiction and fantasy scholarship.

“the book is worthwhile as a detailed examination of a period in the development of SF that has been inadequately covered in the past”—Critical Mass; “valuable...Westfahl...has proved himself once again as one of the most competent scholars in the field”—Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts; “analyzes the career of science fiction editor and author Hugo Gernsback and how his work influenced the development of the science fiction genre”—Reference & Research Book News.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments      Introduction      PART I. HUGO GERNSBACK THE EDITOR1. Cremators of Science Fiction: Brian Stableford and John Clute on Hugo Gernsback and His Legacy      2. The Popular Tradition of Science Fiction Criticism, 1926–1980      3. Wanted: A Symbol for Science Fiction      4. Peaks and Valleys: Hugo Gernsback’s Career as a Science Fiction Editor      PART II. HUGO GERNSBACK THE AUTHOR5. Evolution of Modern Science Fiction: The Textual History of Hugo Gernsback’s Ralph 124C 41+      6. “Man against Man, Brain against Brain”: The Transformations of Melodrama in Science Fiction      7. Gadgetry, Government, Genetics, and God: The Forms of Science Fiction Utopia      8. “The Gernsback Continuum”: Cyberpunk in the Context of Science Fiction      9. Scientific Adventures: Hugo Gernsback’s Career as a Science Fiction Writer      Notes      Bibliography      Index