From 1952 to 1963 the most penetrating critic of the field of magazine science fiction was known as William Atheling, Jr. Guessing his real identity was not easy, because his dissection did not spare even his other ego, noted s-f author James Blish. Shedding his protective covering, Mr. Blish assembled many of the Atheling papers and edited them into this book. It is virtually a text for would-be writers of science fiction. Nor is its value limited to that genre; the rules of good writing are universal, and Atheling's ...
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From 1952 to 1963 the most penetrating critic of the field of magazine science fiction was known as William Atheling, Jr. Guessing his real identity was not easy, because his dissection did not spare even his other ego, noted s-f author James Blish. Shedding his protective covering, Mr. Blish assembled many of the Atheling papers and edited them into this book. It is virtually a text for would-be writers of science fiction. Nor is its value limited to that genre; the rules of good writing are universal, and Atheling's critiques are not restricted to the peculiarities and special interests of science fiction. These essays take aspiring authors and editors by the hand and lead them painstakingly through the dense forests of said-bookism, the treacherous moors of repetitive phrasing, and other forbidden territories. And even old hands will find cause to wonder and reflect, and perhaps even to re-evaluate professional skills too long taken for granted. No subject is too sacred or taboo for Atheling's shredding typewriter; from sex to God, from religion to satirical poetry. No author is spared the bloody mark of his relentless lash; from Anderson to Heinlein to Zirul. No editor or publisher is spared his--or its--due share of responsibility. But most importantly, The Issue at Hand is not just--or even primarily--a textbook for students of writing. It is a vastly entertaining collection in its own right, affording many hours of pleasant informative reading and re-reading, urging the reader ahead with the wry comments, unexpected humor, and undeviating attention to standards that were the hallmarks of William Atheling, Jr.
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Add this copy of The Issue at Hand to cart. $7.00, good condition, Sold by Wonderland Books rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Berkeley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1973 by Advent: Publishers, Inc.
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand. Studies in Contemporary Magazine to cart. $8.43, good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1964 by Advent: Publishers Inc.
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand: Studies in Contemporary Magazine to cart. $9.56, like new condition, Sold by dying earth books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from torrance, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1967 by Advent: Publishers Inc.
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Fine. Book Book is square, solid, and unread. No remainder marks. This book is so sharp it could slice even Superman's skin--you'll shout up, up, and away with glee when it arrives at your door!
Add this copy of Issue at Hand, Studies in Contemporary Magazine Science to cart. $18.00, very good condition, Sold by Common Crow Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Pittsburgh, PA, UNITED STATES, published 1964 by Advent Publishers.
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Very Good in good jacket. 1964. Second edition. Hardcover, 8vo. in dust jacket. 136pp. Very good in good dust jacket. Chipping, tattering, and shallow loss to dj head. Dj remains intact. Internally clean and unmarked.
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand: Studies in Contemporary Magazine to cart. $32.00, very good condition, Sold by Powell's Books Chicago rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chicago, IL, UNITED STATES, published 1964 by Advent Publishers.
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Very Good. 1970. Advent Pub Inc. 2nd printing, 1970. Softcover, octavo, 136 pp. Very light shelf wear. Tight binding and clean pages. Very Good. (Subject: Literature. )
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand to cart. $32.92, very good condition, Sold by Fantastic Literature Ltd rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Rayleigh, ESSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1973 by Advent.
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand to cart. $35.00, like new condition, Sold by Waverley Books rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Monica, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1964 by Advent Publishers..
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand. Studies in Contemporary Magazine to cart. $59.49, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1967 by Advent: Publishers Inc.
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand. Studies in Contemporary Magazine to cart. $70.72, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1964 by Advent Pub Inc.
Add this copy of The Issue at Hand; More Issues at Hand to cart. $75.00, like new condition, Sold by Argosy Book Store rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from New York, NY, UNITED STATES, published 1964 by Advent.
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Fine. Edited with an Introduction by James Blish. 2 vols., 8vo, pictorial wrappers. Chicago: Advent, 1964; 1970. First Editions. Most of these essays originally appeared in science fiction fan magazines.