The best science fiction and fantasy encyclopedias books you can buy

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AI-generated summary · updated August 9, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

1. 

   1 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. 

   2 Best for fantasy fans MACMILLAN

   The Encyclopedia of Fantasy

   ★★★★☆4.5/5 $257.16 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   • Outdated in some areas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. 

   3 Best academic reference Oxford University Press, USA

   The Oxford Companion to Science Fiction

   ★★★★☆4.5/5 $16.94 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. 

   4 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. 

   5 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

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6. 

   6 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

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7. 

   7 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

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