Search results for ""Author James Gunn""

Book SynopsisHugo Award winning writer James Gunn (1923-) has been called the last Golden Age author of science fiction. In a career spanning almost 70 years, he has written 28 books and dozens of short stories and participated in the production of films, radio, TV and comic books. Gunn's memoir provides an intimate account of his unusual life and career, and of the colourful world of science fiction.Trade Review?""James Gunn's writing has bridged much of the history of modern science fiction, and his scholarship has helped to define it, but this memoir offers much more than a history of his career. It is full of insights and delights, nine decades' worth: a grounded life spent exploring humanity's future in the stars."" - Kij Johnson, The University of Kansas""Star-Begotten is a heartfelt, revealing, and surprising memoir, but it is more than that. It is a book that tells the story of modern science fiction from the Golden Age to the 21st century, and of its transformation from 'pulp' literature into the preeminent creative genre of popular culture - as seen through the eyes of an author who has not only been a witness to that transformation, but who has been one of its driving forces. As a writer, teacher, and scholar of science fiction whose work has spanned seven decades, James Gunn's influence in the field is unparalleled. His own transformation from ordinary child of the Midwest to Grand Master of Science Fiction is both remarkable and inspiring, and Star-Begotten reveals the love of family, the societal turmoil, the devotion to teaching and writing, and the personal determination and persistence that made it happen. Thousands of Professor Gunn's readers and students have reaped the benefits, and I am beyond fortunate to count myself among them. And everyone who reads the amazing story of Star-Begotten will feel the same way."" - Bradley Denton, Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede (winner, John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel)""It is a privilege to read Star-Begotten, a book that is so many different things at once. It's a memoir but it's also an eyewitness account of how America progressed through the 20th century, always toward an uncertain future. For that alone, it's invaluable. It's also an eyewitness account of how science fiction found itself and came of age, by one of its most important writers and educators, and that makes it even more invaluable. The history of science fiction is the history of the human imagination, in which we can discern our hopes, our ambitions, our goals, and, yes, our fears, too. As science fiction came of age, it was unfairly derided as trivial, an element of popular culture that is especially disposable, unfit for the same kind of consideration as 'real' literature. James Gunn was one of the few university professors who defied this literary snobbery not only by teaching a course in science fiction but by instituting the first university program for the teaching of science fiction."" - Patricia Cadigan Synners and Fools (winners, Arthur C. Clarke Award)""'Let's save the world through science fiction,' James Gunn suggests to us, and Star-Begotten is the story of his life. Gunn, the only person ever to serve as president of both the Science Fiction Writers of America and the Science Fiction Research Association, has lived science fiction as a reader, a writer, an editor, a scholar, a teacher, a spokesperson, an organizer, a role model, and a visionary. Star-Begotten is full of profiles of people who made 20th century science fiction, but more than that, I am struck by the journey it takes from the early 1920s in Kansas City through a century of change. Gunn brings us the reality of a life lived, day by day, in a time in which human history has been transformed by technological change, ideological conflict, scientific and political and cultural revolutions - the very stuff of science fiction. His story made me think, and made me feel, and I am glad he has taken the time to tell us these things."" - John Kessel, NC State University.

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Book SynopsisIn the mid-1980s, Easton Press began publishing a series of leather-bound collector editions called Masterpieces of Science Fiction and Masterpieces of Fantasy, which featured some of the most important works in these genres. James Gunn was commissioned to write introductions to these works, which allowed him to pay tribute to many authors who inspired and influenced his own work. In Paratexts: Introductions to Science Fiction and Fantasy, Gunn has collected the most significant essays produced for the Easton series, along with prefaces he wrote for reprints of his own novels. Cited here are some of the most significant works of 19th and 20th century science fiction and fantasy, such as The Island of Dr. Moreau, 1984, Stranger in a Strange Land, A Clockwork Orange, Speaker for the Dead, The Postman, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe, The Dead Zone, The Mists of Avalon, Dragon's Eye, Nine Princes in Amber, Blue Mars, The Last Unicorn, and The Lord of the Rings. Drawing upon Gunn's lifetime of work in the field, these introductions include analyses of the individual works and the fields in which they were written. Gunn also briefly discusses each novel's significance in the science fiction canon. Collected here for the first time, these prefaces and introductions provide readers with insight into more than seventy novels, making Paratexts a must-read for science fiction and fantasy aficionados.Trade ReviewThis book contains introductions and prefaces written by the author for a series of leather-bound collector editions by Easton Press in the mid-1980s called Masterpieces of Science Fiction and Masterpieces of Fantasy, along with a series called Signed First Editions of Science Fiction. They are compiled into this volume, along with reprinted prefaces for 13 of the author's own books. These prefaces and introductions are of value in their own right, as compilations of historical and genre-specific timepieces related to the growth and popularity of science fiction and fantasy from the 1980s onward; putting them all into one volume, as a timeline for these genres as well as a glimpse into the author's own writing and scholarship on the topics, is a gem for science fiction and fantasy readers, especially since many of these books have since become classics in the literature. * American Reference Books Annual *Table of ContentsCONTENTS Preface Prefaces (to books by James Gunn) Star Bridge Station in Space Breaking Point The Immortals The Joy Makers The Magicians Some Dreams Are Nightmares The Burning The Listeners Human Voices Gift from the Stars The Dreamers Kampus Masterpieces of Science Fiction Masterpieces and Me The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein The World of Null-A, A. E. van Vogt A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller, Jr. 1984, George Orwell A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess Fury, Henry Kuttner Out of the Silent Planet, C. S. Lewis The Moon Pool, A. Merritt What Mad Universe, Fredric Brown Blood Music, Greg Bear Speaker for the Dead, Orson Scott Card Islands in the Net, Bruce Sterling The Postman, David Brin When Gravity Fails, George Alec Effinger Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Philip K. Dick The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe, Douglas Adams Childhood’s End, Arthur C. Clarke Doomsday Book, Connie Willis Brute Orbits, George Zebrowski City, Clifford D. Simak Flatland, Edwin A. Abbott Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes The Island of Dr. Moreau, H. G. Wells The Sword of the Lictor, Gene Wolfe Jem, Frederik Pohl The Lost World, Arthur Conan Doyle The Dead Zone, Stephen King Masterpieces of Fantasy The Other Side of the Mirror Nine Princes in Amber, Roger Zelazny Magician, Raymond E. Feist The Malacia Tapestry, Brian W. Aldiss Mythago Wood, Robert Holdstock The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag, Robert A. Heinlein The Belgariad, Pawn of Prophecy, David Eddings The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Lord Foul’s Bane, Stephen Donaldson The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley Three Hearts and Three Lions, Poul Anderson The Complete Compleat Enchanter, L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt Darker Than You Think, Jack Williamson Black Easter and The Day After Judgment, James Blish Gather, Darkness!, Fritz Leiber Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake The Last Unicorn, Peter Beagle Little, Big, John Crowley The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien Lord Valentine’s Castle, Robert Silverberg Signed First Editions of Science Fiction Falling Free, Lois McMaster Bujold Ancient Shores, Jack McDevitt Blue Mars, Kim Stanley Robinson Cloud’s Rider, C. J. Cherryh Cosm, Gregory Benford Destiny’s Road, Larry Niven Dragon’s Eye, Anne McCaffrey Dreamfall, Joan D. Vinge Evolution’s Shore, Ian McDonald A Fisherman of the Inland Sea, Ursula K. LeGuin Illegal Alien, Robert J. Sawyer Lifehouse, Spider Robinson The Memory Cathedral, Jack Dann Moonrise, Ben Bova About the Author

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Book SynopsisWritten by one of the leading authorities on writing, publishing and teaching science fiction, The Science of Science Fiction Writing offers the opportunity to share in the knowledge James Gunn has acquired over the past forty years. He reflects on the fiction-writing process and how to teach it, and the ideas he has shared with his students about how to do it effectively and how to get it published afterwards. The first section discusses why people read fiction, the parts of the short story, the strategy of the science fiction author, scene as the smallest dramatic unit, how to speak well in print, suspense in fiction, how to say the right thing, and how to give constructive criticism. The second section takes a more philosophical approach. Here, Gunn elaborates on the origins of science fiction, its definition, the worldview of science fiction, and the characters that appear in science fiction novels. The third section highlights well-known sci-fi authors: H.G. Wells, Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Henry Kuttner, C.L. Moore, and others, and the impact they have had on the development and progression of science fiction.Trade Review"I've shared the annual Lawrence Writer's Workship with Jim Gunn on and off for nearly thirty years—and many other workshops with many other leaders as well—and I've come to one simple conclusion. He's the best." -- Frederik Pohl, Author of The Space Merchants, Gateway, and Man Plus, former president of The Science Fiction Writers of AmeriThis pragmatic overview covers virtually every important aspect of writing science fiction. A valuable tool for aspiring SF authors, and a treat for fans with an appreciation for literary history and theory. * Kirkus *Practical advice for anyone who aspires to write popular fiction, this clear-sighted guide is a must. * Publishers Weekly *James Gunn (born 1923) is certainly a vastly experienced sf writer..he is also a well-known anthologist, so his advice here may be sager tan that to be found in most books of this type. * Interzone *...he [Gunn] clearly and comprehensively explains distinctive characteristics of SF...any wannabe writer could learn a lot from this readable and well-organized guide... * Sfra Review *The Science of Science-Fiction Writing is a course packet for a writing course in sf, except that it is bound, cheaper than most course packets, far better proofread, scrupulous in observing copyright — and it is by James Gunn...Gunn's advice is classical, conservative, sensible, stressing character and emotional appeal...He pushes writers toward disciplined service to their audience...he should be learned from, and, if one can't go to one of his workshops, The Science of Science Fiction Writing is a fine place to study what he has to teach. * Science Fiction Studies *...the number one reason to pick up The Science of Science-Fiction Writing is a most invaluable section that one wonders why more books on writing haven't included something similiar: an outline of all the advice Gunn gave during a workshop in 1998 — likely, if a writer subjected his story to the rigorous distillations here, his story would sell somewhere...It introduces and offers morsels of advice that won't be found elsewhere...you could benefit from the sagacity of Gunn's sixty-plus years of experience. -- Trent Walters * Sf Site *Gunn takes the reader through a careful process of writing SF...The book is very well organized...anyone with an interest in writing SF will find this book of considerable value as Gunn shares his exceptional insight into the world of SF writing. * Extrapolation *Science fiction has often been criticized, especially in its early days, for an alleged tendency to neglect characterization and character development. There has been some basis in truth for this, though anyone who thinks is has always been true or always an intrinsic fault should read the chapter on characters... -- Stanley SchmidtThe best introduction in print not only to writing but also to reading science fiction....All SF teachers, indeed any teacher of literature, will benefit from the chapters devoted to the reasons people read fiction, the anatomy of the short story, and the creation of believable characters. Gunn blends his expertise as both teacher and writer to fashion a work of value to any teacher or reader of science fiction. * Anatomy of Wonder, 5th Edition *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn this collection of essays, Gunn (English, U. of Kansas, emeritus) discusses his relationship with science fiction as a writer and critic and offers several approaches to teaching works in the genre. He also discusses the film industry's treatment of science fiction and its impact on the "real world." This revised and expanded edition includes five articles published since the book's first publication in 1992. * Reference and Research Book News, August 2006 *...Gunn writes clearly and directly. He doesn't talk down to a mass audience, and he doesn't lapse into jargony shorthand when he's with a supposedly better-informed group. Moreover, the essays are studded with wry wit....as a model of clear, well-informed writing for general readers, it's worth recommending strongly to your neighborhood library. * The New York Review Of Science Fiction, January 2007 *...a fascinating set of essays...this is a valuable addition to the historical literature on science fiction... * Green Man Review *Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction Part 2 Part 1. Getting inside Science Fiction Chapter 3 1. The Education of a Science Fiction Teacher Chapter 4 2. From the Pulps to the Classroom: The Strange Journey of Science Fiction Chapter 5 3. Science Fiction and the Mainstream Chapter 6 4. The Gatekeepers Chapter 7 5. Fifty Amazing, Astounding, Wonderful Years Chapter 8 6. The Worldview of Science Fiction Part 9 Part 2. Science Fiction and the Teacher Chapter 10 7. Teaching Science Fiction Chapter 11 8. Teaching Science Fiction Revisited Chapter 12 9. The Academic Viewpoint Chapter 13 10. Science Fiction as Literature Chapter 14 11. The City and the Critics Chapter 15 12. Libraries in Science Fiction Chapter 16 13. The Protocols of Science Fiction Part 17 Part 3. Science Fiction on Film and Television Chapter 18 14. The Tinsel Screen Chapter 19 15. Television and The Immortal Chapter 20 16. The Great Science Fiction Radio Show Chapter 21 17. Looking Backward at 2001 Part 22 Part 4. Science Fiction and the Real World Chapter 23 18. The Uses of Space Chapter 24 19. A Short History of the Space Program; or, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon Chapter 25 20. Shapechangers and Fearmongers Chapter 26 21. Science Fiction and the Future Chapter 27 22. Science Fiction in the Nineties Chapter 28 23. Science Fiction in the Second Millennium Part 29 A James Gunn Bibliography Part 30 Index Part 31 About the Author

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Book SynopsisUpdates and expands science fiction scholar James Gunn's definitive, Hugo Award-winning critical volume about Isaac Asimov and his contributions to the science fiction genre.Trade ReviewGunn succinctly traces Asimov's career, ably summarizing novel plots and identifying concepts that run through Asimov's fiction. * AB Bookman's Weekly *Gunn does an excellent job of illustrating the trends in Asimov's work, and the new material is particularly good. * Science Fiction Chronicle *The first edition of this bio won Gunn a well-deserved Hugo. This new edition brings us up-to-date through Asimov's final works. * Science Fiction Age *James Gunn's study of Asimov's science fiction is undoubtedly the best single introduction and critical guide to this author's SF... * Anatomy of Wonder, 5th Edition *Gunn (English, U. of Kansas, emeritus) answers his own question about what a critic can add to Asimov's autobiographical work by asserting that he has created "criticism in context," a blending of biographical, sociological, publishing and critical considerations. He includes plot summaries and describes the conditions surrounding Asimov's writing and publishing. This paperbound reprint of the 1996 edition (published by Scarecrow Press) is updated from the original 1982 Oxford University Press printing with a consideration of Asimov's work in the last decade of his life and an interview with Asimov. * Reference and Research Book News *...Gunn is tactful in balancing criticism of some of the late works with praise for what Asimov achieved in his old age...a successful revision of a book that I thought was pretty good... * Science Fiction Studies *Gunn's prose is clear...and the book's primary value lies in his careful synopsis of Asimov's work. In addition, he provides a significant apparatus, including a chronology, an interview with Asimov, and lists of books by and about Asimov. The book will be useful for its factual offerings... * CHOICE *This is more a literary biography than anything else. While James Gunn hits the high points of Asimov's life, they don't get much attention. What does get page space is Asimov's writing. Gunn does not linger over the non-fiction, but he summarizes most of Asimov's important fiction, including several of his short stories and novellas, the Foundation and Robot novels, and The Gods Themselves. If you haven't read much Asimov and think you might like to, this is not the book for you, because it gives away the plots. If you have read a lot of Asimov, this shouldn't be a problem. You may even find, as I did, that you remembered certain books or stories but had forgotten who had written them. For scholars, Gunn includes a chronology of Isaac Asimov's life, a checklist of his works and a short bibliography of works about him. The book has a moderately detailed index. Gunn also includes the transcript of an interview he did with Asimov in 1979, when he was preparing the first edition of Asimov: the Foundations of Science Fiction, which won a Hugo Award. Several times in the interview, Gunn proposes theories about Asimov's works and Asimov says things like 'You're perfectly right' and 'I think perhaps you're right' and 'Well, now, I'm glad you said that, because this is not something I have myself spent time thinking of, but I think you're right now that you present it.' Unless Isaac Asimov was being terribly polite, and that doesn't seem likely, he believed that James Gunn understood him very well and agreed with Gunn's analyses. This can be good or bad. If you like the confrontational, sensational, muckraking sort of biography, any approval by the biographee is suspect. However, if you're looking for accuracy, it's nice. * Green Man Review *Table of ContentsPart 1 Epigraph Part 2 Preface Chapter 3 1. I, Asimov Chapter 4 2. The Foundations of Science Fiction Chapter 5 3. Variations upon a Robot Chapter 6 4. The Short Stories Chapter 7 5. The Robot Novels Chapter 8 6. The Other Novels Chapter 9 7. The Stuff Itself Chapter 10 8. The Best-Selling Author Part 11 Chronology Part 12 Checklist of Works by Isaac Asimov Part 13 Select List of Works about Isaac Asimov Part 14 An Interview with Asaac Asimov Part 15 Index Part 16 About the Author

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