Alien landscapes explores ten of the best-known science fiction worlds with a detailed text explaining their history, politics, climate, geography, flora, fauna and their location in the Galaxy. All are brilliantly visualized in 30 original paintings, specially commissioned from ten of the best sf and fantasy. See in full color the spectacular worlds of Arthur C. Clarke's 'Rama'; Anne McCaffrey's 'Pern'; the 'Okie Cities' of James Blish; Hal Clement's 'Mesklin'; Harry Harrison's 'Eros'; the 'Arrakis' of Frank Herbert's Dune; Larry Niven's 'Ringworld'; 'Trantor' from Asimov's Foundation Trilogy; Brian Aldiss's 'Hothouse' and the 'End of the World' of H.G. Wells. These illustrations give an inspired reality to the life and times 'out there' from the full planetary view right don to the details of landscapes and society.