From its beginnings in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne to the virtual worlds of William Gibson's Neuromancer and The Matrix, Science Fiction: A Guide to the Perplexed helps students navigate the often perplexing worlds of a perennially popular genre. Drawing on literature as well as example from film and television, the book explores the different answers that criticism has offered to the vexed question, ‘what is science fiction?' 

Each chapter of the book includes case studies of key texts, annotated guides to further reading and suggestions for class discussion to help students master the full range of contemporary critical approaches to the field, including the scientific, technological and political contexts in which the genre has flourished. Ranging from an understanding of the genre through the stereotypes of 1930s pulps through more recent claims that we are living in a science fictional moment, this volume will provide a comprehensive overview of this diverse and fascinating genre.

1. Introduction \ 2. Technologically Saturated Societies \ 3. Cognitive Estrangement \ 4. Megatext \ 5. Speculative Fiction \ 6. Culture/Community \ 7. Politics \ 8. Literature of Change \ 9. Conclusion \ Further Reading \ Index.

“Sherryl Vint is one of the sharpest science fiction critics of her generation. This is a taut, rigorous and very readable introduction to thinking historically, formally and theoretically about a genre that has steadily gained in prominence across all kinds of media over the last century. This is a fantastic start for those encountering science fiction for the first time, because it provides a tool-kit of critical resources to help formulate responses to a dynamic and exciting genre. Highly recommended.” –   Roger Luckhurst, Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK

“Vint does a brilliant job of integrating important critical concepts into this sophisticated and highly readable introduction to the field of science fiction. From Suvin's "cognitive estrangement," to Luckhurst's "technologically saturated" society, the SF megatext, and science fiction as a literature of ideas, Vint offers a view of where the genre is going and why it matters that is both persuasive and empowering.” –  Michael Levy, Chair of English, University of Wisconsin-Stout, USA

“Sherryl Vint’s fascinating survey of the range and variety of science fiction is full of detailed, insightful readings of important texts from the genre’s early days to now. This beautifully written and admirably conceived book makes wonderful reading for newcomers to the genre and old hands alike.” –  John Rieder, Professor of English, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, USA

“A friendly, intelligent and comprehensive introduction to the aesthetics and development of science fiction. I look forward to using it in my classes.” –  Nalo Hopkinson, Winner of the John W. Campbell Award, Professor of Creative Writing, University of California Riverside, USA