Jay's Reviews > Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels

This book is basically a list, with synopses and some criticism. As with most books of this sort, the selections are highly subjective and, sometimes, seemingly arbitrary. You will not always agree with this, especially if you are well-read in the genre, but that is as it should be.
As an introduction to sf, this book does have some flaws. The exclusion of short story collections and anthologies is a major one, as many significant authors of the period covered (1948-84) were best represented by short fiction, and several anthologies changed the genre (I'm thinking mostly of Dangerous Visions, but there were many others). Another possible fault is that there is little to no beginner's sf here. The author is well-versed in the field, and expects the reader to be as well.
It is as an overview that this book excels. Major themes, such as esp and time/space travel, are represented, as are major subgenres. There are a few books listed out of obligation more than personal regard (Dune), but the author is more likely to suggest an author's work he prefers over one more popular (hence the absence of Stranger in a Strange Land as opposed to Heinlein's earlier works). Whatever effect this has on, ahem, objectivity, this does help ensure a certain enthusiasm throughout.
Which is good, as Pringle tends to be a little dry. Yes, this is a reference book, and as such a certain detached air is to be expected, but the occasional occurrences of personal preference are certainly welcome, and the rare sarcasm regarding works listed despite his taste are cheering, as well.
If I'm only garnering this book with such measured praise, why five stars? For one, it is an incredibly useful overview of sf as a whole. More subjectively, it has pointed out many books and authors that may have escaped my notice otherwise. That is something to be celebrated.