In this illustrated field guide to extraterrestrials-a 1980 nominee for the ABA and Hugo Awards and named one of the Best Books of Spring 1980 by School Library Journal-Wayne Douglas Barlowe paints 50 denizens of popular science fiction literature. 150 full-color paintings show each character not only in full figure but also in detail highlighting distinctive characteristics. Humanoids, insectoids, reptilians, and more are included. Field notes explain movement, diet, respiration, and reproduction habits. The book also features a pull-out chart showing comparative sizes, and a section devoted to Barlowe’s own sketchbook of works in progress. Selection of the Science Fiction Book Club. 267,000 copies in print.
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210 reviews for Barlowe’s Guide to Extraterrestrials: Great Aliens from Science Fiction Literature
4.7out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
11
★★★★★
2
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★★★★★
byrnstar –
Grew up with a copy of this book in the household! It inspired a lifetime fascination for classic science fiction, realistic depictions of anatomy (human, alien or otherwise), and biology. I only wish there were more of Barlowe’s original sketch work included in the back pages as I find his raw experimental work as fascinating as the finished profiles.
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★★★★★
Tamakhi –
I’ve been searching for a copy of this book for quite a while. Reliving memories of my youth 😉 The description states this to be in very good condition. Well, I would say it’s close to mint. The spine wasn’t even cracked. Pristine. Well worth the money. Shipping speed was great. A little over a week from order to arrival
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★★★★★
gianluca manna –
Awesome vintage Field guide on extra terrestrials of popular science fiction from the era it was wrote.
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★★★★★
F. Salazar –
I had seen this book many years ago and when I saw a recent post on it had to get a copy for myself. This book is an intelligently and artistically rendered window into SF of the past, when authors’ raw creativity in envisaging aliens and environments was the centerpiece of great SF. If you are a writer or artist in the genre you must get this book. If you are a reader who wants to see renderings of the Kzin, or the Dirdir, or Puppeteers, or any other of 30+ aliens of classic SF, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
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★★★★★
Tamakhi –
Been trying to find this book for a reasonable price for a long time now and this sellers was perfect. very happy to have a copy of it! Hope everyone is safe and sound during this difficult time.
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★★★★★
C. Monster –
I had originally purchased this book by Wayne Douglas Barlowe in 1988 and thoroughly enjoyed the artwork and descriptions of the extraterrestrials. For a fictional guide to beings, it is detailed and believable. I wish Mr. Barlowe would make an updated or new publication with art and descriptions of science fiction entities that have been written about since the original 1979 release.
I was extremely happy to be able to find a copy of the book on Amazon after losing my original copy of the book years ago. I highly recommend this book to lovers of science fiction and art.
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★★★★★
Abrahamo Linconi –
This is one the best reference works I own. Barlowe’s illustrations are remarkable, and once you’ve seen any of these classic aliens in Barlowe’s Guide, you’ll never be able to read the source work again without visualizing them as this book does. I owned a copy as a teen, then lost it somehow, and recently reordered. Every bit as wonderful and informative as I remember, and a must-have for any fan.
I also need to remark here on Barlowe’s meticulous combing of the source material for details to help the illustrations. He has seemingly read every detail about, say, a Thrint that ever saw print. The result is a drawing that you will probably never find contradicted by anything in the source stories and novels. The range is also excellent, covering many classic SF works. You may even find yourself introduced to an overlooked classic of genre fiction by finding a striking alien here, and tracking it back to the novel it came from.
I cannot recommend this book more highly. It would be cheap at twice the price.
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★★★★★
Nigel –
Libro molto interessante, spedizione impeccabile. Mi sarebbe piaciuto fosse un po’ più lungo e con più voci, ma comunque molto bello.
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★★★★★
spinteractive –
Excellent, and nostalgic book from my childhood. The illustrations are magnificent and supplied me with endless dreams of exotic worlds and their inhabitants.
Other masterpieces of this genera (which I own) include ‘Space Wars Worlds and Weapons’ Space Wars: Worlds & Weapons and the incomparable ‘Spacecraft, 2000-2100 A.D.: Terran Trade Authority Handbook’ Spacecraft, 2000-2100 A.D.: Terran Trade Authority Handbook.
Enjoy!
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★★★★★
Dominic –
Pages were clean and without markings as promised in the condition statement. There was a large tear on the front cover which may not have been the fault of the seller. They generously refunded part of my purchase within hours of contacting them. Would absolutely recommend this seller.
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★★★★★
Jerry Sullivan –
A book filled with fantastic depictions and descriptions of beings from various science fiction stories. The detail in the full illustrations and in the sketchbook is excellent.
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★★★★★
Sam –
Questo libro è un classico, per chi ama la fantascienza. 🙂 Una mini enciclopedia sulle creature “from outer space”. Assolutamente da non perdere.
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★★★★★
Albert Marty –
This copy is in near mint condition. Virtually flawless, including the jacket.
I owned this book as a boy and my old copy was damaged during a flood. I purchased this new copy to replace what I had lost and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. This new copy is in amazing condition. It’s like I bought it brand new off the shelf 40 years ago. Thank you for restoring a piece of my childhood.
byrnstar –
Grew up with a copy of this book in the household! It inspired a lifetime fascination for classic science fiction, realistic depictions of anatomy (human, alien or otherwise), and biology. I only wish there were more of Barlowe’s original sketch work included in the back pages as I find his raw experimental work as fascinating as the finished profiles.
Tamakhi –
I’ve been searching for a copy of this book for quite a while. Reliving memories of my youth 😉 The description states this to be in very good condition. Well, I would say it’s close to mint. The spine wasn’t even cracked. Pristine. Well worth the money. Shipping speed was great. A little over a week from order to arrival
gianluca manna –
Awesome vintage Field guide on extra terrestrials of popular science fiction from the era it was wrote.
F. Salazar –
I had seen this book many years ago and when I saw a recent post on it had to get a copy for myself. This book is an intelligently and artistically rendered window into SF of the past, when authors’ raw creativity in envisaging aliens and environments was the centerpiece of great SF. If you are a writer or artist in the genre you must get this book. If you are a reader who wants to see renderings of the Kzin, or the Dirdir, or Puppeteers, or any other of 30+ aliens of classic SF, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Tamakhi –
Been trying to find this book for a reasonable price for a long time now and this sellers was perfect. very happy to have a copy of it! Hope everyone is safe and sound during this difficult time.
C. Monster –
I had originally purchased this book by Wayne Douglas Barlowe in 1988 and thoroughly enjoyed the artwork and descriptions of the extraterrestrials. For a fictional guide to beings, it is detailed and believable. I wish Mr. Barlowe would make an updated or new publication with art and descriptions of science fiction entities that have been written about since the original 1979 release.
I was extremely happy to be able to find a copy of the book on Amazon after losing my original copy of the book years ago. I highly recommend this book to lovers of science fiction and art.
Abrahamo Linconi –
This is one the best reference works I own. Barlowe’s illustrations are remarkable, and once you’ve seen any of these classic aliens in Barlowe’s Guide, you’ll never be able to read the source work again without visualizing them as this book does. I owned a copy as a teen, then lost it somehow, and recently reordered. Every bit as wonderful and informative as I remember, and a must-have for any fan.
I also need to remark here on Barlowe’s meticulous combing of the source material for details to help the illustrations. He has seemingly read every detail about, say, a Thrint that ever saw print. The result is a drawing that you will probably never find contradicted by anything in the source stories and novels. The range is also excellent, covering many classic SF works. You may even find yourself introduced to an overlooked classic of genre fiction by finding a striking alien here, and tracking it back to the novel it came from.
I cannot recommend this book more highly. It would be cheap at twice the price.
Nigel –
Libro molto interessante, spedizione impeccabile.
Mi sarebbe piaciuto fosse un po’ più lungo e con più voci, ma comunque molto bello.
spinteractive –
Excellent, and nostalgic book from my childhood. The illustrations are magnificent and supplied me with endless dreams of exotic worlds and their inhabitants.
Other masterpieces of this genera (which I own) include ‘Space Wars Worlds and Weapons’ Space Wars: Worlds & Weapons and the incomparable ‘Spacecraft, 2000-2100 A.D.: Terran Trade Authority Handbook’ Spacecraft, 2000-2100 A.D.: Terran Trade Authority Handbook.
Enjoy!
Dominic –
Pages were clean and without markings as promised in the condition statement. There was a large tear on the front cover which may not have been the fault of the seller. They generously refunded part of my purchase within hours of contacting them. Would absolutely recommend this seller.
Jerry Sullivan –
A book filled with fantastic depictions and descriptions of beings from various science fiction stories. The detail in the full illustrations and in the sketchbook is excellent.
Sam –
Questo libro è un classico, per chi ama la fantascienza. 🙂 Una mini enciclopedia sulle creature “from outer space”. Assolutamente da non perdere.
Albert Marty –
This copy is in near mint condition. Virtually flawless, including the jacket.
I owned this book as a boy and my old copy was damaged during a flood. I purchased this new copy to replace what I had lost and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. This new copy is in amazing condition. It’s like I bought it brand new off the shelf 40 years ago. Thank you for restoring a piece of my childhood.