Review

In this easy-to-read and informative reference, Booker (English, Univ. of Arkansas; Science Fiction Television) covers sf movies from their beginnings to the present. Varying in length from one-quarter of a page to three pages, the 300-plus alphabetically arranged articles discuss directors, producers, writers, actors, subgenres, styles, and production companies....This could be a helpful place to begin research on sf movies....It is likely to be of most interest to academic researchers but may also be useful to curious public library patrons. (Library Journal )

It fills a niche available for a selective dictionary with a historical, contextual approach and an international scope....In addition to its 300-plus entries, this work provides a chronology of major films and trends, an insightful introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography arranged by topic. It will be useful for academic or public library collections seeking thorough coverage of science fiction or film, or for those lacking other reference works on the genre. Summing Up: Recommended. (Choice )

Science-fiction cinema began more than 100 years ago and has provided several milestones: color film, blending of live-action and animation, and a host of special effects. In this volume, English professor Booker surveys the genre. The focus is largely American, but Booker also notes contributions by the UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and Italy (omitting others, such as Hong Kong). Booker’s lengthy chronology (almost 20 pages) begins with Mary Shelley’s 1818 Frankenstein but lists mainly twentieth-century seminal and representative films and inspirations. An introduction traces sciencefiction film history from the silent era. A–Z entries cover films; persons (actors, directors, producers, writers, special-effects artists); characters; concepts; and techniques. Length ranges from a half page to 4 pages (mainly for concepts, such as Postapocalyptic). In most cases, film entries list the year and director, describe the plot, and comment on the film’s impact....An extensive bibliography rounds out the volume. This volume should find a home in film-studies collections as well as in libraries serving science-fiction fans. (Booklist )

About the Author

M. Keith Booker is the James E. and Ellen Wadley Roper Professor of English at the University of Arkansas.