This expanded Third Edition is 150,000 words, up from 120,000 in the 1967 Second Edition, and double the length of the 1956 First Edition (and that's not even counting 33 pages of bibliography and index). Damon Knight effectively invented science fiction criticism. His reviews were not mere statements of his personal preferences--his skillful essays analyzed the books and told why they were good or bad, to the edification of readers, the delight of good writers, and the embarrassment of bad ones. In this unique critical study of science fiction, Mr. Knight works on the principle that science fiction is a form of literature which needs no apologies and no special dispensations: it can and should be judged by the same high standards that apply to all literature. His incisive and knowing criticism covers the field brilliantly, from "Classics" to "Chuckleheads." This new edition adds a chapter of autobiography, articles on writing and teaching science fiction, and other fascinating essays. Even ifyou already have the first or second editions, you should consider getting this edition simply for the new material, which includes: Chapter 1: Myself When Young autobiographical ; Chap: 13: The Excluded Data about Carles Fort ; Chap. 29: Milford and Clarion; Chap. 30: Science and the World; Chap. 31: What Is Science Fiction, Anyway?; Chap. 32: Writing Science Fiction; a major expansion of Chapter 5, discussing John W. Campbell, Jr.; and other additions and emendations.