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Top rated science fiction and fantasy encyclopedias books

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Top rated science fiction and fantasy encyclopedias books

AI-generated summary · updated July 28, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

  1. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
    Best overall St. Martin's Press

    The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction

    4.5/5 $84.92 Only 1 left

    Comprehensive and authoritative reference work covering science fiction literature, film, and media, edited by John Clute and Peter Nicholls.

    • Extensive coverage
    • Expert contributors
    • Regularly updated
    • Large and heavy
    • Pricey
    View on Amazon manufacturer site
  2. The Encyclopedia of Fantasy
    Best for fantasy fans MACMILLAN

    The Encyclopedia of Fantasy

    4.5/5 $260.71 Only 1 left

    Companion volume to the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, covering fantasy literature, authors, and themes in depth.

    • Comprehensive fantasy coverage
    • Well-organized entries
    • Scholarly yet accessible
    • Outdated in some areas
    • Similar price range
    View on Amazon manufacturer site
  3. The Oxford Companion to Science Fiction
    Best academic reference Oxford University Press, USA

    The Oxford Companion to Science Fiction

    4.5/5 $16.35 Only 1 left

    Concise yet thorough reference from Oxford University Press, ideal for students and scholars.

    • Authoritative academic source
    • Portable size
    • Affordable price
    • Less comprehensive than larger encyclopedias
    • Limited visual content
    View on Amazon manufacturer site
  4. The Routledge Companion to Science Fiction
    Best for thematic analysis Routledge

    The Routledge Companion to Science Fiction

    4.3/5 $67.99

    Scholarly collection of essays covering major themes, subgenres, and cultural impact of science fiction.

    • In-depth essays
    • Covers diverse topics
    • Good for research
    • Dense academic text
    • Not a quick reference
    View on Amazon manufacturer site
  5. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders
    Best for comprehensive themes ABC-CLIO

    The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders

    4.4/5 $39.99 Only 1 left

    Three-volume set exploring themes, motifs, and works in both genres, suitable for libraries and serious collectors.

    • Broad thematic coverage
    • Voluminous content
    • Useful for comparison
    • Very expensive
    • Bulky set
    View on Amazon manufacturer site
  6. The Science Fiction Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Genre
    Best introductory reference DK

    The Science Fiction Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Genre

    4.3/5 $31.24

    Single-volume guide covering key authors, works, and concepts in science fiction, great for newcomers.

    • Good starting point
    • Concise yet informative
    • Reasonable price
    • Lacks depth for experts
    • Limited entries
    View on Amazon
  7. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fantasy
    Best budget pick WELBECK

    The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fantasy

    4.2/5 $15.67 Currently unavailable

    Illustrated reference covering fantasy books, films, and games, with accessible entries for casual readers.

    • Affordable
    • Loaded with illustrations
    • Easy to browse
    • Less depth than academic works
    • Not as comprehensive
    View on Amazon

Buying advice

When choosing a science fiction or fantasy encyclopedia, consider the depth of coverage you need: for academic research, opt for the Oxford Companion or Routledge Companion; for comprehensive reference, the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction/Fantasy sets are unmatched. Budget-conscious readers may prefer the Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fantasy or the Science Fiction Encyclopedia. Check publication dates to ensure relevance, and consider whether you need a single volume or a multi-volume set.

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