This is the fourth volume in a series offering critical overviews of the genres of science fiction, fantasy and horror for a calendar year, in this case 1990. In addition to the features provided in earlier volumes, this annual adds a survey article reviewing children's science fiction and fantasy. In addition to the surveys, the volume offers review articles on the state-of-the-art of the science fiction short story; the work of the year's major new fantasy authors; the significance and influence of H.P. Lovecraft's fiction; and an analysis of how young adult fiction differs from "adult" literature. Author profiles are provided on Greg Bear, Charles de Lint, David J. Schow and Andre Norton. Following a list of 1990 titles selected for major awards comes the general review section, where more than 500 fiction, young adult fiction, and non-fiction titles are reviewed by more than 100 reviewers. The volume concludes with a title index and an index to contributors.