As I continue to explore the rich history of science fiction, there are some names that keep cropping up. Authors who have made a massive impact on the genre, but who, for one reason or another, I haven’t got round to reading. Then there are those authors I’ve read one book by, but despite fully intending to give a second examination, I haven’t returned to. With that in mind, I think it’s high time to share an accountability post. So consider this a non-exhaustive list of major names in SF that I’m still planning to get around to reading sooner rather than later.

Brian Aldiss

Okay, so I’ve technically read three of his books, but my Helliconia came as an omnibus, so it still only counts as well. I enjoyed the book, but it suffered a lot because of its length. Happily, his other books look far less epic. ~I like a writer who has lots of standalones, and since Cryptozoic, Non-Stop and Greybeard are all in the Gollancz Masterworks line, there’s a good chance I can find a copy of these. Plus it never hurts to expand my Best of British SF reading list, and I think Aldiss might get onto the rankings for next year’s list.

JG Ballard

Speaking of Britsh SF, we have Ballard. Now, although I haven’t read any of his novels, it does seem like he writes the sort of science fiction I don’t like. The words ‘New Wave’ hover threateningly over his back catalogue. Nevertheless, I’m willing to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about.

Octavia Butler

You know that one author your friend keeps saying is the best thing since sliced bread? For me, Butler is that author. I’ve been assured of the quality of her writing by very trustworthy sources, and will probably start with her Xenogenesis trilogy. And if it’s anywhere near as nice as sliced bread, I’ll be a very happy reader.

Phillip K. Dick

I have read and enjoyed Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? but that is where my experience with Dick ends. I’m very put off by his more crazy and drug addled writing, but he has such an influence on the genre, I feel like I can’t completely ignore him. Very much open to recommendations on this one, as he has more books than even I have time for.

Michael Moorcock

Another New Wave figure, and one perhaps more associated with fantasy than SF. I have actually read one of his books, but it was a Doctor Who tie-in (The Coming of the Terraphiles) so probably isn’t a fair representation of his usual work. He’s an author that I’m definitely going to look into so I can find a good starting place for his books.

Christopher Priest

Oh look, another British SF writer. There may or may not be a slight theme emerging here. I haven’t read any Priest, but his near universal acclaim means I have to at some point. The Inverted World will probably be my starting point. The description gives me slight Mortal Engines vibes, but I am probably way off with that.

Robert Silverberg

I’ve read one novel that was more fantasy than SF and one short story collection that was the usual mixed bag, but Silverberg has so many books I want to read a couple more to get a proper feel for the man’s writing. His alarming number of Hugo nominations will probably be my starting point, I just have to separate the SF from the non-SF.

Arkady & Boris Strugatsky

Possibly the most famous names in translated SF (at least until Cixin Liu came along, though Stanislaw Lem is surely in the mix), the work of the Strugatsky brothers will hopefully introduce me to a new corner of world SF. I have heard mixed things about the translations available, but as ever, the SF Masterworks series will probably be my default starting place.

Sherri S. Tepper

Another author highly recommended by a trusted friend, Tepper (who I constantly confuse with James Tiptree Jr., much to my shame) has plenty of books to her name. I’ll probably start with Grass because, you guessed it, it is available in Masterworks format.

Kurt Vonnegut

Like Ballard, Vonnegut is an author I don’t think I’ll get on with. He just seems very literary. But that’s a stupid criticism for a book, so I’m going to give his work a look anyway. Though I’ve been advised against it, I might start with Cat’s Cradle, and put to the test my theory that 1963 was one of science fiction’s best years.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and I’m sure there are names that ought to be on it who aren’t. Nevertheless, everyone has to start somewhere. If you have thoughts on any of these authors (or ones who didn’t make the list) let me know in the comments.