From archive (archive)
Subject: THE WORLD BEYOND THE HILL by Alexei and Cory Panshin
From: ecl@cbnewsj.ATT.COM (Evelyn C. Leeper)
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Date: 7 Jan 90 15:13:17 GMT




	     THE WORLD BEYOND THE HILL by Alexei and Cory Panshin
		  Tarcher, 1990, ISBN 0-87477-436-S, $29.95.
		      A book review by Evelyn C. Leeper

     This study of science fiction from its origins through its "Golden Age"
is not just another standard reference work.  It does not consist of
sections on each of the major authors, listing their works and publication
dates.  What the Panshins have done instead is to examine the trends and
works of science fiction in the context of the social events and
philosophies of the time.  The swing from science as devil to science as
savior and back again is reflected, they say, in the science fiction being
written through the years.  And they help to dispel some of the myth of
John W. Campbell as monolithic creator and leader of the Golden Age.  Some
of this is already known.  For example, that Campbell's insistence that in
any human/non-human encounter human supremacy must be demonstrated and
Asimov's reluctance to support such racist ideas led to Asimov's all-human
universe is fairly common knowledge.  But the Panshins present their
information in a strictly chronological order rather than by author as is
common in other works, and this global rather than individual perspective
sets this work apart.

     This is not to say that I always agree with the Panshins's conclusions
or opinions.  That this book is published by Tarcher is no surprise--Tarcher
is trying to build a line of "New Age" science fiction books: science
fiction books that emphasize the metaphysical and transcendent instead of
blueprints and spaceships.  (I would question throwing Olaf Stapledon into
the "New Age" category, though.)  Since the main focus of THE WORLD BEYOND
THE HILL is the metaphysical nature of science fiction, or at least those
aspects of science fiction that are based in transcending this world, this
makes it a perfect book for the series.  It does mean, however, that the
Panshins give less space to those works or science fiction that do not, in
their opinion, form part of this search for "the world beyond."

     The only thing that prevents me from whole-heartedly recommending this
book is the price.  Yes, it's a thick book representing a lot of work, but
there's something about a $30 pricetag that makes one hesitate.  But I would
strongly suggest that if you can't afford this book (or even if you can and buy
it for yourself), you should encourage your local library to purchase a copy.

Evelyn C. Leeper   |   +1 201-957-2070   |   att!mtgzy!ecl or ecl@mtgzy.att.com