Review : Just fantastic

John Clute and John Grant’s Encyclopedia of Fantasy (Orbit, £50, ISBN 1
85723 368 9) fills 1049 pages with facts about a booming form of fiction, which
seems to be elbowing aside science fiction for many booksellers. But as the
book’s many contributors reveal, the boundaries are blurring: much science
fiction now comes with a fantastical flavour. One for the librarian (to help
with categorisation) and for any reader who appreciates excellence: the entries
are sharp, witty and packed with information. Look up “Instauration” for an
illuminating discussion.