Age of Wonders

An award-winning and pioneering science fiction editor explores the origins, history, and culture of the literary genre through a series of essays.

“Hartwell has taken his cosmic mind on a marvelous exploration of science fiction as it was, as it is, and as it may well be. I was enthralled by Age of Wonders all the way through.” —Frank Herbert, author of Dune

David G. Hartwell (1941–2016) was one of science fiction’s most experienced and influential editors. A winner of multiple awards in both science fiction and fantasy, he worked with many of the field’s most respected writers.

Like those other American art forms, jazz, comics, and rock 'n' roll, science fiction is the product of a rich and fascinating subculture. Age of Wonder is a captivating tour of the origins, history, and culture of the science fiction world, written with insight and genuine affection for this wonder-filled literature, and addressed to newcomers and longtime SF readers alike.

David G. Hartwell’s thoughts continue to reverberate and influence the field he helped to build, and this work will remain a core text in its history and study.

“A landmark work. Daring, imaginative, witty—it is the best commentary on the field yet written.” —Roger Zelany, creator of the Amber series