Worlds of Tomorrow: The Amazing Universe of Science Fiction Art

Rating:
Summary: Worlds of Disapointment
Review: Caveat emptor! Over ninety percent of the cover art images reproduced in this book are the size of bubble gum trading cards. I was under the impression that the images were all full page but no such luck. Once again quality is sacrificed for cheapness.

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous reproductions and explanatory history on all pages
Review: Fans of science fiction art have had other titles to turn to over the years; but none so visually packed with color and scope as Forrest J. Ackerman and Brad Linaweaver's Worlds Of Tomorrow. Ackerman has been a part of the science fiction genre for over 70 years, writing and publishing some of the earliest articles about the genre's films and even playing bit parts in low-budget horror. Linaweaver is a Nebula finalist for his novel and has written numerous short stories and media-tie in books. Together the two provide gorgeous reproductions of fantasy and science fiction art from magazine and book covers of the 1930s through the 1950s. Gorgeous reproductions and explanatory history on all pages.


Rating:
Summary: Credit Where It Is Due
Review: First let me say that this is a beautiful volume, full of lush reproductions of rare old book and magazine covers. Any fan of science fiction art or the pulps will find this an excellent addition to their library.
But there is a problem, and it is fully as irritating as it is strange. And it's pretty damn strange.
In compiling a historical retrospective of science fiction art, the editors have failed to credit the very artists they celebrate. Every single one of the hundreds of cover images reproduced here is accompanied by the name of the magazine, the month and year it appeared, and the name of the publisher. Book covers also add the name of the book's author, which is generally prominently displayed on the cover itself.
The artist is NEVER listed.
Not when the artist's name is credited in the magazine or book displayed.
Not when the artist is well known.
Not when the artist's style is unmistakable.
Not when the artist's signature is plainly visible in the image.
The editors, Forrest J. Ackerman and Brad Linaweaver, each provide several essays throughout the book. Every one of these has a byline so that we never confuse Linaweaver's prose with Ackerman's. I wish they had been half as meticulous about giving credit where it is due when dealing with the artists who supposedly inspired them.


Rating:
Summary: Amazing Retro Sci-Fi art .............needs more art credits
Review: I have to agree with the reviewers who said there are no credits on the great works of art in this book. They are some of the best I have seen to represent the genre. It gives me inspiration to start painting and drawing again in my favorite of all genres...sci fi. The only fault in this book is that it should have been longer and had more art reproductions of the covers. I loved every page of this. I can see some of the ships slightly resemble the U.S.S. Enterprise. Probably that's where Matt Jeffries got his inspiration. From these pulp covers there are images that can be retro fitted for today's sci fi movies.

Rating:
Summary: a beautiful work of art in itself
Review: This highly anticipated book is gorgeous. It has innumerable SF covers, mostly from the pulps. Ackerman's encyclopedic knowledge in this area enables the book to have a historical as well as aesthetic perspective. The book also has superb production values. This one's a keeper!