By Dominique L.
Well, a lot more now.
George S. Elrick's Science Fiction Handbook is a glossary. The definitions are ordered alphabetically, filling most of the pages until hand drawn examples break up the walls of words. If it weren't for the illustrations (drawn by Elrick himself) that accompany the short, but effective definitions, this book would be a significantly less cool read (let's face it, we all like picture books).
The book is a collection of physics, fiction, astronautics, astronomy, and general definitions. That means the definitions range from things that actually exist, like prostheses (general) and protostars (astronomy), to the purer, simply science fiction things like magno rays (magnetic ray used to moor a spaceship in a fixed position above the Earth, another planet, or an asteroid).
A lot of the definitions are pretty self-explanatory, but it's definitely handy if you need to fact check whilst writing. Overall, the book is a comprehensive guide to science fiction terminology. If you're writing science fiction or trying to tackle a heavy duty sci-fi novel, this is probably the handbook for you.
Science Fiction Handbook
By George S. Elrick
First Edition, 1978
Published by Chicago Review Press Inc.
315 pages
*Side note: why is this book for sale on Etsy for $78 dollars?
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