SFWA Grandmaster Damon Knight edits and contributes to this incredible collection of essays on writing, reading, and the nature of science fiction, written by all the greatest science fiction writers ever. Contents include:

Introduction

. A Walk Around the Topic

- Science Fiction: Its Nature, Faults and Virtues - Robert A. Heinlein

- Social Science Fiction - Isaac Asimov

- What Is Science Fiction? - Damon Knight

II. History Without Tears

- Pilgrim Fathers: Lucian and All That - Brian W. Aldiss

- Science Fiction Before Gernsback - H. Bruce Franklin

- The Situation Today - Kingsley Amis

III. Criticism. Destructive and Otherwise

- On Science Fiction - C. S. Lewis

- Alien Monsters - Joanna Russ

- Cathedrals in Space - William Atheling, Jr. [James Blish]

- Contact - Pierre Versins

IV. S.F. and Science

- No Copying Allowed - John W. Campbell

- Scientists in S.F.: A Debate - Philip R. Geffe, Milton A. Rothman, John W. Campbell, James V. Mcconnell

V. How To. In Four Tricky Lessons

- On the Writing of Speculative Fiction - Robert A. Heinlein

- How To Build a Planet - Poul Anderson

- How To Collaborate Without Getting Your Head Shaved - Keith Laumer

- Writing and Selling Science Fiction - Damon Knight

VI. S.f. As Prophecy

- Chemical Persuasion - Aldous Huxley

- Pandora's Box - Robert A. Heinlein

- Gourmet Dining in Outer Space - Alfred Bester

VII. Confessions

- Why So Much Syzygy? - Theodore Sturgeon

- There's Nothing Like a Good Foundation - Isaac Asimov

- Son of Dr. Strangelove - Arthur C. Clarke

- Journey With a Little Man - Richard Mckenna