Review by Booklist Review
In these two volumes, editor Sargent magnificently updates her three out-of-print Women of Wonder titles of the 1970s. Classic Years features writers who appeared in the earlier anthologies, some of whom are represented now by different stories, as well as several more who wrote during the period covered. Their 21 stories range from C. L. Moore's "No Woman Born" (1944) to Joan D. Vinge's "View from a Height" (1978), and include selections by the likes of Katherine MacLean, Zenna Henderson, Anne McCaffrey, Josephine Saxton, Kate Wilhelm, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Contemporary Years, which begins with C. J. Cherryh's "Cassandra" (1978) and concludes with Rebecca Ore's "Farming in Virginia" (1993), offers another 21 stories by such authors as Suzy McKee Charnas, Angela Carter, Octavia E. Butler, Pat Murphy, Connie Willis, and Nancy Kress. What makes the two volumes so fine is not only their sheer variety of stories, writing styles, and themes, but also Sargent's perceptive introduction to each anthology (together, these essays provide a canny overview of women in science fiction) and each book's extensive lists of novels, collections, anthologies, and short fiction for further reading. A veritable feast for sf fans. --Sally Estes
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
It's no revelation that men make up the majority of science fiction authors and audiences, but female authors have made substantial contributions to the genre and are becoming increasingly important. In the '70s, Sargent edited three Women of Wonder anthologies, and 18 writers from this original trio (some with new stories) are joined here by three newcomers to the series, to give an eye-opening overview of science fiction and women between 1944 and 1978. Exploring topics such as prejudice, child abuse, vanity, stereotypes, aging, rape, obesity and insanity, stories by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Zenna Henderson, Kit Reed, Kate Wilhelm, Joan Vinge, the pseudonymous James Tiptree Jr. and others are as disconcerting as they are intriguing. Judith Merril's ``That Only a Mother'' capitalizes on the fear of nuclear warfare as a new mother deals with the effects of radiation in her own unique way. Anne McCaffrey's ``The Ship Who Sang'' carries the idea that ships are feminine one step further when a spaceship falls in love with her pilot. Sargent highlights the history of women in science fiction in an information-packed introduction. In addition, notes about each author and an extensive bibliography will satisfy the curiosity of those wanting additional information on this topic. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In the '70s, Sargent edited the original three Women of Wonder anthologies of sf stories by, and primarily about, women. Of the present volumes, The Classic Years, comprising 21 pieces drawn from 1944-78, reprints material from the earlier booksthough it's unclear how muchbut also includes new selections. Featured are such enduringly excellent stories as C.L. Moore's ``No Woman Born,'' Vonda N. McIntyre's ``Of Mist, and Grass, and Sand,'' Pamela Zoline's ``The Heat Death of the Universe,'' and James Tiptree Jr.'s ``The Women Men Don't See.'' The Contemporary Years captures 21 tales from 1978-93. Some, like Octavia E. Butler's ``Bloodchild,'' Pat Cadigan's ``Angel,'' and Pat Murphy's ``Rachel in Love'' are already famous; whether the remainder will fade into obscurity or achieve true permanence must await the judgement of posterity. Top-notch tales, splendidly illuminated by Sargent's pointed and informative introductions.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
