Robert A. Collins – författare

With more than 500 reviews by subject specialists, this volume is the only comprehensive record of the output of new works in science fiction, fantasy, and horror fiction. The volume begins with a survey of the year for fiction in the three areas. Each survey section concludes with a recommended reading list. In addition there is a survey of fantasy literature and film scholarship, a survey of the year in young adult fiction in the three main areas. Following sections devoted to award winners in 1989 and 1990, the volume provides alphabetically arranged reviews for fiction, young adult fiction, and non-fiction. Access to the material is augmented by a comprehensive title index.By concentrating on literature and serious scholarship rather than peripheral materials, and by enlisting the assistance of the leading scholars in the field, Collins and Latham have assembled a work that is invaluable to teachers, students, and librarians seeking guidance in collection building in science fiction, fantasy, and horror fiction and scholarship. This and the preceding two annuals are designed for easy use within school, public, and university libraries and will be of interest to individual collectors/readers in these three areas as well.

This is the fourth volume in a series offering comprehensive critical overviews of the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror for a calendar year, here 1990. In addition to the features provided in earlier volumes, this annual adds a survey article reviewing children's science fiction and fantasy. This, with the surveys of science fiction, horror, young adult literature, and related nonfiction, makes this annual series the most complete source for critical commentary on these genres currently available.In addition to the surveys, the volume offers review articles on the state of the art of the SF short story; the work of the year's major new fantasy authors; the significance and influence of H.P. Lovecraft's fiction; and an analysis of how YA fiction differs from adult literature. Author profiles are provided on Greg Bear, Charles de Lint, David J. Schow, and Andre Norton. Following a list of 1990 titles selected for major awards comes the general review section, where more than 500 fiction, young adult fiction, and nonfiction titles are reviewed by more than 100 reviewers. The volume concludes with a title index and an index to contributors. All in all, an essential reference tool for scholars and students of contemporary science fiction, fantasy, and horror and all libraries with collections in these areas.