The following is a short list, featuring twenty of the most prominent and prolific authors of classic science fiction, whom you would commonly find on any list of this genre’s “classics” or “essentials.” A list of the “best” authors in any category has to be considered subjective under the best of circumstances. However, based on the criteria of which authors’ works have continued to stand the “test of time,” whose works have remained relevant to contemporary readers, and which authors contributing ground-breaking works to the science fiction field, the twenty authors listed here are a good place to start. Fans and/or students of Science Fiction are also encouraged to check in with any of our librarians for additional recommendations and thematic booklists!
classic. Among the best of a class, of the highest quality in a group…a work that endures. — Harper Handbook to Literature
The author links in this booklist are to the complete listings of all materials in the Lincoln City Libraries’ collections by these authors. The links connect directly to our library catalog, so that you may check on the current availability of titles. Covers shown below are relative samples of some of these authors’ best-known works.
[1926-2001] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1920-1992] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1913-1987] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1920-2012] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1875-1950] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1917-2008] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1922-2003] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1915-1993] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1928-1982] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1934- ] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1907-1988] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1920-1986] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1912-2005] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1935- ] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1890-1965] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1918-1985] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1912-2000] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1828-1905] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1866-1946] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
[1908-2006] [ Wikipedia entry for this author ] [ Internet Speculative Fiction Database entry for this author ]
Compiled Feb 2012 sdc | Adapted and expanded for the Web Feb 2012 sdc | Last updated August 2016 sdc