Print Resources

The New York Review of Science Fiction
Established in 1988, NYRSF is a print journal that publishes reviews, essays, and literary criticism of and by the most prominent names in Science Fiction.

Extrapolation
Also available online, Extrapolation is published three times yearly through Liverpool University Press and is the longest running journal for SF studies. It welcomes papers on Science Fiction in a wide range of media, including film, television, video games, and comic books, and solicits varied lenses in its critiques.

FemSpec
A much-needed resource despite being younger than other journals listed here, FemSpec is a journal dedicated to examining issues of feminism and multiculturalism in Speculative Fiction. It is printed twice yearly and features a section specifically dedicated to publishing work by young women to encourage their interest in what is often seen as a male-dominated field.

Foundation: the international review of science fiction
Published by the Science Fiction Foundation, Foundation is yet another peer-reviewed journal featuring critical essays and reviews on works of Science Fiction. Occasionally, papers are reprinted in collections focusing on a particular work, such as Doctor Who and Babylon 5.

Barron, N. (2004). Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction (5th Edition)  Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited.
Widely considered one of the most important books of the field, this is a good overview of the genre and features history, examinations of over 1,400 works and series, and young adult materials. Includes cross references, indexes, and an annotated bibliography.

Clute, J. (1995). Science Fiction: The Illustrated Encyclopedia. London: Dorling Kindersley.
From John Clute, the editor of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, comes a companion book that gives the additions of timelines, books covers, magazine pages, historical photos and posters. Well-loved by fans and professionals alike.

Prucher, J. (2007). Brave New Words: The Oxford Dictionary of Science Fiction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
From Oxford University Press comes this dictionary of terms and their development from science fiction to common every day use-- words like "spacesuit" and "robot." Complete with full citations and bibliographic information, this reference book traces the movement of words from fictional works, fan culture, the Internet and more into the mainstream.

VanderMeer, J., & Chambers, S. J. (2011). The Steampunk Bible: An illustrated guide to the world of imaginary airships, corsets and goggles, mad scientists, and strange literature. New York: Abrams Image.
The first work of its kind, this volume explores the movement's roots in the works of authors like H.G. Wells, its current incarnations in mainstream entertainment such as the recent Sherlock Holmes films, and examinations of the subculture's DIY community both online and off.

Dozois, G. R. (2011). The Year's Best Science Fiction. New York: St. Martin's Griffin.
Currently in its 28th annual collection, this anthology series collects the best SF fiction of the year. Also includes awards, recommended reading and summary of other notable SF works published over the last year. Edited by Gardner Dozois, a past editor for Asimov's Science Fiction magazine and winner of multiple Hugo Awards.

Buker, D. M. (2002). The Science Fiction and Fantasy Readers' Advisory: The librarian's guide to cyborgs, aliens, and sorcerers. Chicago: American Library Association.
Published by the American Library Association, this book delves into the many nuanced subgenres of both the Sci Fi and Fantasy genres and teaches librarians how to listen for what appeals most to the reader looking for a good read.

All of these resources are also available through the NYPL catalog.