Analog Science Fiction & Fact

Some of the factual science articles well-compliment the stories, some just don't have any relation (and if I skip anything in Analog, it's some of the drier fact pieces). Some excellent write-ups such as a comparison between long-term weather data and historical regime changes could lead to several future stories in the magazine.

Dependable, high-quality, and enjoyable.

One change in publication not mentioned here: both Analog and Asimov's have gone to 10 issues a year from 11, with 2 "double issues" instead of one per year. The double issue is always a treat but then one must wait 2 months for the next regular issue!


Real science fiction -- and great nonfiction!   March 24, 2002
Robert J. Sawyer (Mississauga, ON, Canada)
42 out of 44 found this review helpful

Disclaimer up front: I've had three novels serialized in ANALOG (Nebula winner THE TERMINAL EXPERIMENT; Hugo and Nebula nominee STARPLEX; and the just-completed HOMINIDS). But I'm also a long-time reader of the magazine (28 years now), and I love it. The fiction is real SF -- stories in which the science is accurate and the speculation credible. But I also love the editorials by Stanley Schmidt; the "Alternate View" columns by Jeff Kooistra and John Cramer (some of the best science writing available anywhere these days), the spirited letters-to-the-editors section, and Tom Easton's book reviews. This is the number-one bestselling science-fiction magazine in the world, and justly so.


The proving ground for science fiction writers   October 26, 2001
Zack Davisson (Seattle, WA, USA)
30 out of 31 found this review helpful

I can't tell you how many great science fiction writers I discovered through reading Analog. My first Larry Niven story was in Analog, as well as my first Spider Robinson story. Most of the greats got their start here, and many of them continue writing a story for Analog now and then.

The short story is a good friend to science fiction. It allows for the exploring of an idea without the need to "fill it out" to novel length. This magazine has a nice blend of stories, articles and comic strips. Novel length stories are serialized, and arrive in chapter form. The letter column is often as much fun to read as the stories.

As with any anthology, Analog contains it's share of "misses." The good far outweighs the bad, and I strongly recommend it as a subscription.


Best in the field   March 24, 2002
ginnyk (Glenside, PA United States)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I've been a subscriber for about 40 years, from when it was named Astounding, and almost never disappointed. In addition to great authors (many of whom I met first on Astounding/Analog pages), great short stories, reviews, and feedback - don't miss the thought provoking editorials. No matter who is the current editor, the editorials make you check your firmly held beliefs and preconceived notions, and *think*. You may not agree, but you'll definitely think. Well worth the money.


science fiction at it's best!   January 29, 2002
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

If you are thinking of thinking of subscribing to a science fiction magazine, this is the one to choose! The writing is of the highest quality that I have seen, with writers that are both well-established and just starting. The magazine starts with cover illustrations that are interesting,colorful and relevant to the lead story. Each month there is a thought-provoking editorial,a serial,a science fact article (great ones on cold fusion and global warming debate)and about 4 short-short stories. There is also info in the back about SciFi conventions,letters to the editor,etc. You will enjoy the stories so much you will have to add an extra bookshelf just to keep your favorite back issues! (No, they are not paying me, I just think this is a great mag that deserves support!)