Liquid Metal brings together a great number of what are regarded to be the 'seminal' essays that have opened up the study of science fiction to serious critical interrogation. It is divided into eight distinct themed sections, including the cyborg in science fiction, the science fiction city, time travel and the primal scene, science fiction fandom, and the 1950s invasion narratives. Important writings by Susan Sontag, Vivian Sobchack, Steve Neale, J.P. Telotte, Peter Biskind and Constance Penley are included.