First published 2021
Sylvia Engdahl gathers her thoughts on the themes that drive her science fiction writing. This collection pulls key essays from three digital volumes that proved too lengthy for affordable print editions. The opening piece examines her novel Enchantress from the Stars and the ideas she believes readers should understand. The remaining essays tackle subjects that connect to her fictional worlds: humanity's need to explore space, our outlook on what lies ahead, and the existence of psychic abilities. Engdahl argues for space exploration as essential to human survival, explains why interplanetary warfare will never happen, and defends the reality of mental powers that mainstream science dismisses. She also critiques transhumanism and explains her limited interest in reading other science fiction. The book serves readers who prefer physical books over digital formats and want deeper insight into the concepts behind Engdahl's storytelling.
Genres: science-fiction, essays, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, argumentative
110 pages · Paperback · Independently published