This new collection of critical essays on science fiction and fantasy
literature features the following pieces: "Setting Ideas in Space,
Time, and Infinity, " "The Necessity of Science Fiction, " "The British
and American Traditions of Speculative Fiction, " "The Biology and
Sociology of Alien Worlds, " "Cosmic Perspectives in
Nineteenth-Century Literature, " "An Introduction to Alternate
Worlds, " "Adolf Hilter: His Part in Our Struggle: (A Brief Economic
History of British SF Magazines), " "The Battle of Dorking and Its
Aftermath, " "The Science in Science Fiction, " "The Siren Song of
Sexuality: The Mythology of Femmes Fatales, " "What We Know About
Vampires, " "A Brief History of Vampires, " and "A Brief History of Werewolves."

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.