Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Cinema

by M. Keith Booker

The history of science fiction film now spans more than 100 years, during which time more than 1,000 science fiction films of various kinds have been made. Beginning with the work of pioneering French filmmaker Georges Méliès at the dawn of the 20th century and moving through such silent films as Fritz Lang's classic Metropolis , science fiction film has had a long and eventful history that has taken it in many directions but that has moved the genre inexorably forward into a prominent place at the center of the film industry in the works of big-budget hitmakers like George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Bay.

The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Cinema provides broad coverage of the people, films, companies, techniques, themes, and subgenres that have made science fiction cinema such a vital part of world cinema. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries. This volume is designed to be accessible and enlightening to fans of the genre who simply want to know more about the films they so enjoy.

Genres: Reference

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

APA Citation:
Booker, M.K. (2012). Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Cinema (No. 44). Historical dictionaries of
literature and the arts. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, Inc.

Call Number:
Ref 791.43

Description:
This reference work presents information about 100 years of the science fiction film. The dictionary provides information to this genre’s history, including the people, films, companies, techniques, themes, and subgenres that have made it what it is today.

Relevance and Relationship:
Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Cinema is relevant to the collection of a high school or a public library. This source contains information related to the film industry and to this genre. This work is unlike other works in the collection. This work would provide information that is otherwise unavailable.

Purpose:
The author’s purpose for this work was to present information about the science fiction film and how it has evolved in the last 100 years. The author is a fan of science fiction.

Validity:
This work was written by a man with much experience in the field, including 14 years in the research field. This work contains researched information and includes a bibliography of the sources referenced.

Format:
This is a reference book. It is available in hardback and as a Kindle edition. Purchasing this work is more justifiable in book format due to the costs associated with it.

Arrangement and Presentation:
The format of this work is a dictionary. The work begins with a preface, a reader’s note, a chronology, and an introduction. The dictionary begins after this introductory information. At the back of this work, the author included his bibliography as well as information about himself and the works he has previously written. This work is arranged and presented in an easy-to-read format.

Diversity:
This work will appeal to audiences interested in science fiction, filmmaking, and the arts. This work should help to encourage young adults to use the collection more as well.

Professional Review:
Sharp, P. B. (2012). SF Cinema History for Reference Collections. Science Fiction Studies, 39(1), 123.