Kathy picked up The Science Fiction Century for me from the bargain bin of our local used book store. I wasn’t expecting much, considering that there’s usually a reason those books have found their way into the get-rid-of-them-fast section, but was very pleasantly surprised.

Hartwell spans Science Fiction’s entire history, starting with Wells and Kipling(!). I was surprised, as a long time enthusiast, to find several stories in the book that I had never come across, including a few that were evidently translated into English just for this volume. Hartwell seems to know his subject thoroughly, and it’s a treat not only to read these gems, but to see them in his explanatory settings. Altogether a worthwhile read, either solely for pleasure or to learn more about the genre.