The first comprehensive critical study of hard science fiction, this book reveals how the term hard science fiction originated, and closely examines three representative works.
Gary Westfahl is adjunct professor at the University of La Verne, CA. He has published numerous articles on science fiction and fantasy in journals, magazines, critical anthologies, and reference books. He is the also the author of several forthcoming books on science fiction and fantasy, and coeditor of three forthcoming anthologies.
"As in his other work, Gary Westfahl's Cosmic Engineers combines
extensive research and unexpected insights about hard science
fiction. Unlike other commentators, he pays close attention to the
statements of hard science fiction writers in making judgements and
analyzing texts. Some may argue with his conclusions, but all will
agree that he is making a valuable contribution to the
debate."-Gregory Benford
"Gary Westfahl carefully slices away all the nonsense in this
trendy subject, leaving a very small but fascinating core."-Damon
Knight
?Westfahl has learned the good trick of packing theexamples in at
the same time that his choice of examples is devastatingly true to
his sense of "definition."?-Appearing in Extrapolation
?Westfahl offers an extended definition of hard science
fiction--i.e., scientifically accurate SF that does not go beyond
current scientific knowledge. He distinguishes between two
forms--near-future extrapolation of current scientific developments
and the far-future projection of large developments and strange
(but scientifically plausible) worlds. Highly recommended for
academic libraries with SF collections and for large public
libraries.?-Choice
"Westfahl has learned the good trick of packing theexamples in at
the same time that his choice of examples is devastatingly true to
his sense of "definition.""-Appearing in Extrapolation
"Westfahl offers an extended definition of hard science
fiction--i.e., scientifically accurate SF that does not go beyond
current scientific knowledge. He distinguishes between two
forms--near-future extrapolation of current scientific developments
and the far-future projection of large developments and strange
(but scientifically plausible) worlds. Highly recommended for
academic libraries with SF collections and for large public
libraries."-Choice
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