Mark Rich – författare

By the middle 1800s, toys were appearing in forms that drew upon--and that inspired--advances in areas such as optics, biology, geography, transportation, and automation. In these decades, too, a new type of wonder tale was being brought to maturity by a Poe-inspired Jules Verne. The modern wonder tale's highly-charged vision expressed the hopes and the fears, and the delights and the traumas, engendered by "new worlds idealism"--that Western pursuit of both mechanical and geographical conquest. Exploring realms belonging to childhood, literature, science, and history, this innovative study weaves together the histories of wonder tales and children's toys, focusing specifically on their modern aspects and how they reflect and express the social attitudes of that time period beginning around 1859 and ending around 1957.

Cyril Kornbluth is a legendary figure in science fiction. As a teenager in the years before World War II, he wrote prolifically and brilliantly under multiple pennames. After military service he developed a voice distinctive for its commanding intelligence, passion, and wit, displaying it in a string of novels and short stories including his award-winning "The Little Black Bag." His sudden death in 1958, at the early age of 35, marked the end of an era--it was a time when his chosen literary field was contemplating its potential demise. This comprehensive biography tells the story of this remarkable writer and his works for the first time.

Shadows and Reflections is the Roger Zelazny tribute anthology you’ve been waiting for. Here are stories that are not just inspired by Roger Zelazny, but stories set in universes created by Roger Zelazny. Finding Shadows and Reflections is like discovering a new Zelazny collection full of old friends that you thought you’d never see again. You’ll find stories set in many of your favorite universes: Lord of Light, Isle of the Dead, Madwand, Creatures of Light and Darkness, and Jack of Shadows,to name only a few. George R. R. Martin introduces the anthology, and Roger’s daughter, Shannon Zelazny, provides an afterword. Both provide insight into the wonderful and complex man that Roger Zelazny was. Contributors include Steven Brust, Steve Perry, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Kelly McCullough, Jane Lindskold, Shariann Lewitt, and many others. Also included as a special treat is a very rare Roger Zelazny story. This anthology was edited by his son Trent Zelazny, a Nightmare Award winner, and Warren Lapine, who has been nominated for both the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards. You will not soon forget this outstanding anthology.