The Rise of the Cyberzines: The Story of the Science-Fiction Magazines from 1991 to 2020 - (Liverpool Science Fiction Texts and Studies) (Paperback)

About the Book

The final volume in Mike Ashley's series covering the history of the science-fiction magazine from 1926 to the present day. It explores the emergence and influence of online magazines over the past three decades and their impact on science fiction in general and the established print magazines in particular.

Book Synopsis

Shortlisted for the Locus Science Fiction Foundation Non-Fiction Award 2023 The Rise of the Cyberzines concludes Mike Ashley's five-volume series, which has tracked the evolution of the science-fiction magazine from its earliest days in the 1920s to its current explosion via the internet. This series has traced the ways in which the science-fiction magazine has reacted to the times and often led the way in breaking down barriers, for example in encouraging a greater contribution by women writers and stimulating science fiction globally. Magazines have continued to build upon past revolutions such as the 'new wave' and 'cyberpunk', producing a blend of high-tech science fiction and expansive speculative fiction that has broadened the understanding of science and its impact on society. This final volume, which covers the years 1991-2020, shows how the online magazine has superseded the print magazine and has continued to break down barriers, especially for the LGBTQ community and for writers of colour.

Review Quotes

'I enjoyed how much Ashley focused on the very small press, while doing his homework with a high degree of accuracy with the large commercial publishers... This is exhaustive work, so much credit goes to Ashley for this gargantuan task.'
Andy Andrews, True Review

'Mike Ashley's dedicated, thoroughly researched history of the SF magazines during this specific time period is testament to his love of the genre. It is a remarkable book and a must have for serious collectors and those interested in the history of the SF magazine field.' Dave Truesdale, Tangent

About the Author

Mike Ashley has specialised in the history of science fiction and fantasy for over fifty years. He is the author and editor of over 130 books that in total have sold more than a million copies worldwide. He received the Science Fiction Research Association's Pilgrim Award in 2002 for Lifetime Achievement in the field of science-fiction scholarship.