The Encyclopedia of Fantasy

The Encyclopedia of Fantasy is a comprehensive 1997 reference work edited by John Clute and John Grant that catalogs and analyzes fantasy fiction. The 832-page volume contains over 4,000 entries and approximately one million words, with most content written by Clute, Grant, and Mike Ashley. This reference work matches the format of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and employs a similar categorization system, though it excludes publishing-related entries. The encyclopedia is available both in print and digital formats, with a CD-ROM edition featuring various updates and revisions. The book received significant recognition upon release, winning the 1998 Hugo Award, World Fantasy Award, and Locus Award. Since November 2012, the complete text has been accessible online as a companion to The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, though updates are limited to adding death dates. This encyclopedia stands as a foundational academic resource that documents the evolution and scope of fantasy literature while establishing a framework for analyzing the genre's key elements, themes, and patterns.

Readers value this reference work for its comprehensive scope and detailed cross-referencing system. Many note it serves as both a research tool and an enjoyable book to browse casually. Numerous reviews highlight the depth of analysis for fantasy themes, motifs, and storytelling patterns. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of fantasy concepts and tropes - Thorough coverage of authors and works - Academic yet readable writing style - Extensive cross-references Common criticisms: - Dense academic language can be challenging - Some entries feel too brief - Focus skews toward British/American works - High price point for physical copies Ratings: Goodreads: 4.26/5 (164 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 ratings) Several reviewers noted the encyclopedia helped them discover new authors and better understand fantasy conventions. One reader on Goodreads wrote: "I've worn out two copies just from constant reference use." Multiple reviews mentioned using it alongside its companion volume, The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction.

The Science Fiction Encyclopedia by Peter Nicholls, David Langford. This comprehensive reference work catalogs science fiction authors, themes, and concepts with the same depth and academic rigor as Clute's fantasy encyclopedia.

Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature by Brian Stableford. The dictionary presents entries focused on fantasy works, writers, and concepts from ancient mythology through modern publications.

The Cambridge Companion to Fantasy Literature by Edward James, Farah Mendlesohn. This collection of essays examines fantasy literature through critical and theoretical frameworks while exploring the genre's development and major works.

A Short History of Fantasy by Farah Mendlesohn, Edward James. The text traces fantasy literature's evolution from earliest myths to contemporary works through a chronological examination of key authors and texts.

The Book of Fantasy by Jorge Luis Borges. This anthology collects and analyzes significant fantasy works from multiple cultures and time periods, providing context for the genre's development.

🏆 The book won an unprecedented "triple crown" of genre awards in 1998: the Hugo, World Fantasy, and Locus Awards. 📚 The 832-page volume contains over 4,000 entries, making it one of the largest single-volume fantasy reference works ever published. 🔄 It introduced several influential theoretical terms to fantasy criticism, including "thinning" (the gradual loss of magic from a world) and "wrongness" (the sense that something fundamental has gone awry). 👥 While John Clute is the primary author, the work involved over 60 contributing writers, including noted fantasy scholars and authors like Brian Stableford and David Langford. 💻 Initially published in print form in 1997, the entire encyclopedia was later made freely available online through the SF Encyclopedia website, dramatically expanding its accessibility and influence.