Book Quote by Robert Anton Wilson
“The novels that get praised in the NY Review of Books aren't worth reading. Ninety-seven percent of science fiction is adolescent rubbish, but good science fiction is the best and only literature of our times.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Review of NY Review of Books, 1990
Most praised novels in the NY Review are low quality; only top‑tier sci‑fi qualifies as serious literature.
In simple terms: NY Review praises mediocre books; good sci‑fi is elite literature.
Key Takeaway
Seek out high‑quality science fiction.
Themes
literary criticism
genre hierarchy
quality standards
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading recommendations
- genre studies
- literary debates
Key Concepts
sci‑fi as literary pinnacle
critical bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria define “good” sci‑fi?
- Can mainstream criticism be trusted?
A Different Perspective
The claim is highly subjective and dismissive.
![“What they [critics of Lessing's switch to science fiction] didn't realize was that in science fiction is some of the best social fiction of our time.” quote by Doris Lessing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c58/doris-lessing-501_critics_what-they-critics-of-lessing-s-switch-to_990742.jpg)
