From 1952 to 1963 the most penetrating critic of the field of magazine science fiction was known as "William Atheling, Jr." Guessing his real identity was not easy, because his dissection did not spare even his other ego, noted s-f author James Blish. Shedding his protective covering, Mr. Blish assembled many of the Atheling papers and edited them into this book. It is virtually a text for would-be writers of science fiction. Nor is its value limited to that genre; the rules of good writing are universal, and Atheling's critiques are not restricted to the peculiarities and special interests of science fiction.

This book may state that the author is "William Atheling", a pen name for Blish. It is attractive for an incisive, cutting analysis of 1960s science fiction. Blish does not go for easy kills by skewering minor authors. Rather, he concentrates on the biggest names of the time, like Robert Heinlein, who was at the height of his fame, having recently written "Stranger in a Strange Land" and "Starship Troopers". Even if you adore Heinlein, it is worth reading Blish's critiques for a deeper view.Blish also analyses another author who was also a noted critic, Algis Budrys. Here, Budrys comes off better than Heinlein, though his books sold fewer.