Edited by freelance lexicographer Prucher, this is the first dictionary of the language of science fiction based on historical principles. Like the Oxford English Dictionary, on whose Science Fiction Citations Project database (www.jessesword.com/sf) it is based, this dictionary provides citations to each of its 3000-plus headwords, beginning with the earliest reference-a very useful innovation. Because of its specialized focus on the development of the language of science fiction writing in fiction, film, television, comic books, newspaper comics, video games, theater, poetry, songs, science fiction criticism, and fan literature, the dictionary provides a unique, detailed view of the whole genre, pointing to most of the important writers, editors, and publishers. Entries include part of speech, etymology, definition with cross references to related terms, usage status (e.g., historical, jocular, derogatory, obsolete), variant forms, and most important, carefully dated citations and quotations illustrating the usage of the word over time. The "Bibliography of Books Quoted" at the end of the volume supplies complete publication data. Other useful features include a dozen sidebars, one-page essays on topics related to sf vocabulary, and a short list of sf writing guides. Bottom Line This admirable and unique source demonstrates on nearly every page the surprising extent to which the language of science fiction has entered everyday English-terms and concepts such as beam me up, cyberspace, downtime, gateway, morph, newspeak, robot, and space cadet. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries with an interest in science fiction.-Paul D'Alessandro, Portland P.L., ME (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

*Starred Review* One of those rare reference books that is both enjoyable to browse and useful as a reference tool, Brave New Worlds may be the best subject dictionary of 2007. Not merely a dictionary of science fiction terms, it is a resource of all the words from science fiction that have been absorbed into popular culture, as well as an historical dictionary, defining terms from their earliest known appearance in science fiction writing through modern usage. Eextremely useful introductory material explains how the words were selected and researched (many came from the Oxford English Dictionary Science Fiction Citations Project http://www.jesseword.com/sf) and how each citation is arranged. Like the rest of the work, the forematter is written so clearly and precisely that it will be understandable to readers at all levels, which is important because the book has a very broad potential audience, from academics to the general public. Each entry starts with the science fiction definition and a chonological listing of usages and citations. If the popular culture sense is different it is provided  in a second definition, followed by a second list of usages and citations. Space cadet is an excellent example of a word coined in the science fiction realm that, when used in a popular culture sense, has a completely different meaning. Science fiction defines it as a juvenile spaceman or spacewoman, or one in training, and the first usage was by Robert A. Heinlein in Space Cadet (1948). The popular culture definition someone who appears to be out of touch with reality, as if on drugs was first used in 1973.  In addition to definitions, usage examples, and citations, entries contain parts of speech, usage and status labels, variant and derived forms, and, where appropriate, cross references.  In addition to definitions and usage histories for more than 3,000 terms there are 11 brief essays on topics such as Expletives & Profanity and Fanspeak,  and two excellent bibliographies. The Bibliography of Books Quoted  is an impressive list of important works in science fiction. The even lengthier Bibliography of Science Fiction Non-Fiction and Reference Works, divided by subject, is very  thorough. For anyone needing information about an important science fiction author or subgenre, this is a definitive list, making it useful for readers' advisors, students writing papers.  and science fiction fans of all ages. Brave New Words is highly recommended for all academic and public libraries.--Moyer, Jessica Copyright 2007 Booklist

Gr 7 Up--This historical dictionary will delight fans of the genre and pique the curiosity of others. Short, easy-to-read alphabetical entries mainly cover sci-fi terms from the 20th century, but also include some earlier ones. Corresponding first-usage information is largely taken from the Oxford English Dictionary Science Fiction Citations Project. Prucher cites diverse sources, including science-fiction novels and short stories, and mainstream print and online publications. Users will naturally build connections to popular culture when encountering familiar words such as "cyberspace" or "robot," which originated in the literature. Significant features include a thorough "Guide to the Dictionary" (which includes an explanation of cross-references, an abbreviations list, a pronunciation key, and other helpful guides), sidebar entries, and several well-compiled bibliographies. The absence of illustrations might deter reluctant readers from investigating the book. Overall, though, this dictionary's distinctive attributes make it a worthwhile purchase.--Cara Webster, Cumberland University Vise Library, Lebanon, TN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.