This new collection of critical essays on science fiction and fantasy literature and media features the following pieces: "The Last Chocolate Bar and the Majesty of Truth: Reflections on the Concept of 'Hardness' in Science Fiction, " "How Should a Science Fiction Story End?", "The Third Generation of Genre Science Fiction, " "Deus ex Machina, or, How to Achieve a Perfect Science-Fictional Climax, " "Biotechnology and Utopia, " "Far Futures, " "How Should a Science Fiction Story Begin?", and "The Discovery of Secondary Worlds: Notes on the Aesthetics and Methodology of Heterocosmic Creativity."

Brian Stableford is the bestselling writer of 50 books and hundreds of essays, including science fiction, fantasy, literary criticism, and popular nonfiction. He lives and works in Reading, England.