The Road to Science Fiction


The Road to Science Fiction is a series of science fiction anthologies edited by American science fiction author, scholar and editor James Gunn. Composed as a textbook set to teach the evolution of science fiction literature, the series is now available as mass market publications. The six-volume set collects many of the most influential works of the genre. It was published originally by Signet and then by White Wolf Games Studio. Volumes 1 through 4 are currently being reprinted in paperback format by the company Scarecrow Press.

Reception

Everett Franklin Bleiler described the first two volumes as follow: "A historical anthology... A good selection, with good headnotes".
Volume 1 and 2 was also reviewed by:
  • David Mogen in Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Review, July 1979
  • Joseph Nicholas in Vector 99
Volume 3 was reviewed by:
Volume 4 was reviewed by:
Volume 5 was reviewed by:

Contents

''Volume 1: From Gilgamesh to Wells''

The anthology was published Signet in 1979 and reprinted by Scarecrow Press in December 2002.

''Volume 2: From Wells to Heinlein''

Published by Signet, 1979, reprinted by Scarecrow Press, September, 2002.

''Volume 3: From Heinlein to Here''

Contained work published between 1940 and 1977.
First published by Signet in 1979, reprinted by Scarecrow Press, May 2002.

''Volume 4: From Here to Forever''

First published by Signet, 1982, reprinted by White Wolf, January 1997 and Scarecrow Press, 2003)

''Volume 5: The British Way''

Influential British SF published prior to 1986'The Battle of Dorking: Reminiscences of a Volunteer by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir George Tomkyns ChesneyFlatland by Edwin A. AbbottAfter London; or, Wild England by Richard Jefferies

''Volume 6: Around the World''

France

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

Germany

Scandinavia and Finland

Eastern Europe

Russia

Italy

Spain and Latin America

India

  • "Einstein the Second," by Laxman Londhe

China

Japan