What Makes This Book So Great
Re-Reading the Classics of Fantasy and SF
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Little, Brown Book Group
Published:8th Jan '15
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Jo Walton's What Makes This Book So Great is a compelling collection of essays that reassess classic and obscure works in fantasy and science fiction.
In What Makes This Book So Great, Jo Walton offers readers a profound exploration of the fantasy and science fiction genres through her insightful essays. As an award-winning author and avid reader, Walton revisits both celebrated classics and overlooked treasures, providing fresh perspectives on a wide array of works. Her reflections span from the well-known novels of authors like Ursula K. Le Guin and Samuel R. Delany to the hidden gems of C. J. Cherryh and Vernor Vinge, showcasing the diversity and richness of speculative fiction.
Walton's engaging writing style invites readers to reconsider their own literary experiences. She tackles various themes, such as the complexities of time travel and the boundaries of genre, while also addressing the often unrecognized contributions of lesser-known authors. With over 130 essays, What Makes This Book So Great serves as a celebration of the genre's past and a commentary on its evolution, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the worlds created by these imaginative storytellers.
This collection not only highlights Walton's expertise but also her passion for re-reading and rediscovering stories that resonate on multiple levels. Each essay is a testament to the power of literature to inspire and provoke thought, making What Makes This Book So Great an essential read for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the realms of fantasy and science fiction.
Walton's critical gift is her ability to help you love your favorites even more, and to be fascinating, at length, on books you don't give a damn about. This is a remarkable guided tour through the field -- a kind of nonfiction companion to Among Others. It's very good. It's great. -- Cory Doctorow BoingBoing With plenty of jokes and interesting observations, this is definitely a fun read for the sci-fi fan. Give it a look if you're after some humorous and intelligent analysis of the genre's best. Starburst Magazine What shines through time and again is Walton's love of speculative fiction ... Walton frequently offers terrific insights. SFX Insightful and beautifully written ...the perfect way to discover some of the classic science-fiction and fantasy novels that deserve a new audience. Sci-Fi London A collection that is less criticism than a celebration of one reader's journey through the fantastic. Los Angeles Times A nicely eclectic, well considered essay collection that a reader can spend a few hours dipping into and following up on. It's a great primer for someone who wants to know why we like SF & Fantasy, as well as provide books to try. It should lead the reader to many happy discoveries, or at least return to old favourites. SFF World 'For readers unschooled in the history of SF/F, this book is a treasure trove; for those who recognize every title, Walton evokes the joy of returning to a well-worn favorite' Publishers Weekly (starred review) Readers seeking an enthusiastic and informed guide to modern science fiction and fantasy could do worse than Jo Walton's collection of 130 short essays...a celebration of one reader's journey through the fantastic. Chicago Tribune Walton's affection for many of these titles is contagious, and fans will find their own reading lists growing. Library Journal (starred review) Winner of the 2015 Locus Award for Best Non-Fiction Locus Award
ISBN: 9781472111616
Dimensions: 196mm x 127mm x 31mm
Weight: 360g
480 pages